Dead Cultures, Imagined Contexts: The Ogtogmaní‐khün
For my Independent Study, I created an ancient culture: the Ogtogmaní-‐khün. In this culture’s language, it roughly translates to “people who worship the sun and moon.” I created textiles and clay objects that would have come from this culture’s burial practices. The installation of my work is meant to emulate a history museum exhibit, with a formal display style of shelves and pedestals to present my pieces. These artifacts were inspired by my love and respect for ancient cultures, which I have found fascinating since childhood. One of the largest inspirations for the artifacts of my people was the moon, which is significant for myself and for many cultures across history. Its silent and wondrous presence set the tone of my project. I aimed to make a connection with the individuals who helped shape ancient cultures, as well as form an understanding of what beliefs and motivations went into creating those cultures. I put myself in conversation with the Ogtogmaní-‐khün through a micro-focused approach. This began by passively studying ancient cultures and looking at images or objects in a museum. From this, I found an element that captured my attention, and through handling it, sculpting it and immersing my senses into it, I made it my own. This project explores how making a small change in detail can change the look and meaning of an object. In this way I was able to create a new culture, which straddles both reality and fiction.
Emily Glickman '17
Advisor: Walter Zurko
All images copyright © 2017 Emily Glickman. All rights reserved.
Double-headed Horse Censer. Brown stoneware, white slip inlay. 11" x 11" x 4.3". 2017.
Celestial Embroidery. Linen, Cotton thread, gold thread, semi-precious stones. 11.5” x 9”. 2017.
Dog Figurine. Brown stoneware. 4.2” x 4.25”. 2017.
Golden Age Figurines. Brown stoneware, white slip inlay, copper oxide, gold leaf. 5” x 1” – 6.9” x 2.2”. 2017.
Miscellaneous Shelf. Brown stoneware, white slip inlay, iron/copper oxides, charcoal dust, gold leaf. Various sizes. 2017.