Life being transformed into an archival record

Documents, utensils, and collectibles are regarded as sentimental items. Even though the owners might no longer exist, each object still contains a remarkable story. When you look at the items thoughtfully, you will recognize that they can evoke memories.

Moreover, if the owner of the object is someone who is widely recognized by the public and has interesting life stories that trigger people to study or research his cultural and historically significant works, collecting the information about his life and works and exhibiting them is a way to show people the facts and the evidence of the existence of his life. What the audience will gain is varied. Some will have the pleasure of learning about this specific person. Others might see this information as very useful for their research. The audience can further the knowledge they received in many different ways. On the other hand, some audiences might just want to experience the stories and the memories of the person.

Storytelling can be something fun

Normally, ‘Archive’ in people’s perceptions could relate to something old-fashioned or boring. However, if one can make it more interesting by using digitized platform management to reach a diverse group of audience or create activities that arouse people’s interest, it will spark more people to follow the archival works. Now, we live in an era where content, storytelling, strategies, and marketing have been designed in many creative ways, however, the core ideas of the archive are always the top priority. They are as important as humans’ backbone or a tree trunk. Therefore, it is important to plan before telling any stories.

Archival Memories / Collective Memories

The term Archives, in general, could refer to documents that are no longer in use but were assessed as having some value to society or groups to be kept as archives. There are three things to consider about it; 1) Content – They need to be accepted. 2) Context – To show one can create it themselves. 3) Structure – It could show the originals and the authenticity. Whether it’s from a person/organization or government/private sector. Similarly, archival memory refers to documents that can trace the origin and the ownership. However, what makes it different from the archive is that it has cultural significance and its own identity that can’t be copied. To put it simply, each archival memory is unique, contemporary and can describe the contexts within itself.

It’s all about DATA!

Organizing a structure to set up a system for archives is all about data and data! Let’s imagine you went to somewhere in extremely cold weather, all you need is a super warm outfit. You would wear layers of outfits such as a cold suit followed by heat-tech, and underwear. All are to cover your skin. Under the skin is tissue, bone, blood, lymphatic system, cell, and molecule. This is similar to how you organize the archives registration system. In archival management vocabulary, it is called ‘File Plan’, which consists of; fond, function, activities, and transaction. Organizing the ranking order for the documents also consists of fond, series, file, and item. It might sound difficult. But, it is an important process like humans need to intake healthy food if they want to prolong their life. We have the responsibility to forward these systems to the next generation as they are the ones who will continue the process even though we no longer exist. 

It  just like a Zombie!

In addition to the system that has been mentioned before, there are also other factors that are considered to protect the archival works, which are; conservation, quality and standard of the storing equipment, revenue and income to operate the institute, marketing, and any other factors that are important in managing the archives. Once you have an efficient plan, a destination is not that far. The archives will continue their duties even when the day that we are gone as if a Zombie never knows how to die.

Memories, Stories and Eternity

Artworks and archival works can be exhibited and displayed in many ways according to design thinking and the process of screening and selection. The archive manager is the one who decides how the archives are display. They might reveal the original archives or interestingly show the data. However, the most important thing is that the organizations that deal with archival works should understand and adapt themselves to our contemporary society. They should be able to communicate with a diverse audience using easy-to-access platforms.

Nevertheless, when we leave the word ‘System’ out, we can see the archive will continue its duties in order to show the cycle of life and the flow of information. Even if the artist may pass away, the values and contents will stay forever.

This is how archives work.