Embracing Impermanence: Rearranging Material Hierarchies through Museum Spaces

Speculative museum collection
Pratt MFA Thesis project, 2023

In the Western world, we value material strength. What would it mean to value weakness?

In light of the environmental hazards of many permanent materials, is there any value in considering impermanent materials for the design of our cultural products? Exploring the power and beauty of privileging impermanent materials and examining how museums can foster conversations around ecological and material engagement. Rearranging material hierarchy to learn about humanity’s impact on ecology through ephemeral objects. Manifested in the museum, this new hierarchy can be a pedagogical tool for creating awareness of the collective impact on the environment.









This installation catalogs artifacts from a speculative scenario in which The Museum of Modern Art in New York hosted an impermanent collection, Active Matter, that opened in the Fall of 2027. 



 NINA OLEYNIK
2024