Emily Ward Bivens

Debris is a site-specific installation under a railroad bridge. Replica cases based on the bridge’s existing light fixtures are filled with porcelain objects including teacups, saucers, butter dishes and serving spoons. The objects in the cases are in dialogue with the many items left by people using the bridge for a temporary shelter. The cases are left up for three months leaving them vulnerable to theft, flood or vandalism. As the river floods, a dirt residue is deposited on the objects creating a pattern of debris around the edges and flat surfaces.