“This project combines the sentimental and human relationship with material objects and celebrates redundant items, in a world driven by mass consumerism. An intimate look at other people’s possessions. I am a hoarder and love to observe, inspect, collect other people’s belongings. Looking through what was needed before – yet surplus to requirement now.
Each object, artefact, and item has got a history and story; however, the narrative has now changed, it’s been redirected and transferred, so has the owner. Evidence of the past and present colliding for the future generations to contemplate, appreciate and reuse. At the car boot – finding masses of small and large objects, antiques, plants, fabrics, and toys lined and stacked precariously on wallpaper tables – I saw someone’s life on display. Some carefully arranged and others littered on tarpaulins sitting in a windy field. Spread out for the world to pick through and judge. I was probing and digging through their family memories, and mementoes, it felt feels like I was intruding. ‘Never been used’ are a collection of images that explore car boots sales, witnessing the conversations and exchanges from the buyers and sellers. The ultimate ‘recycling’, ‘pre-loved’, ‘hardly used’ & ‘tat’ market. As I was shooting, (and buying) I was happily eaves dropping, and enjoying the classic banter quietly echoing between the rows.
“Will you take 50p for that? “I’ll have that”, “All the bits are in there – just have a rummage” – Priceless conversations to witness, and swiftly forgotten. The work visually archives belongings of what was needed then, but not now – that maybe needed in the future. My ‘postcard-esque’ collection preserve the changes of owner, a glimpse of the seller – these mementoes have new lease of life, rightful passage elsewhere. They also reflect and question how human nature (possibly in some cultures more than others) have a bond with consumerism and material objects. In some cases, they link us to our history, families and past. This project also delves into our current buying habits. Does this collection make us ponder at the social, economic, peer pressures of today? I question with the inflation rates in the UK and cost of living, how do we purchase everything new? What is the future of thrift stores, and 2nd hand demand?”
(Clair Robins)
About the author:
CLAIR ROBINS is a British photographic visual artist, she gravitates to the beauty, obscurity, & ambiguity of everyday life to creatively record the mundane. She is an experienced Educator, & her career has spanned over both darkroom & digital technology. Her current work has stemmed from her passion to collect & archive objects. Items appear in her work from her past & present, creatively integrating nostalgic memories, fact & fiction. Robins has the ability to sympathetically visualise & communicate an extensive range of ideas through her unique visual language & compelling narratives.
IG: @clairscollections – @clair_r_photo
