Finding Aid, Archives as Art & Pharmakon, Box I, Folder 16: Gabriella Giannachi‘s Mappings

Abstract

Etymologically, the noun “archive,” although now commonly applied to the storage place of cultural objects, had until recently a much more limited meaning applying only to government records. Most contemporary discussions of the term use the modern usage that effaces the earlier connection to the seat of political power. The notion of a collection, or collecting of, historical and rare materials of any kind — but usually of cultural importance — almost makes it grist for personal or aesthetic fascinations.