Foreign, 2020
In his installation, Foreign, artist and photographer Jaime Alvarez challenges viewers to consider the value of objects, plants, and their origins. Glen Foerd’s collection, which historically prioritized European art and estate-building traditions, is photographed both in storage and on display, while images of the grounds document overgrown and manicured areas alike.
Produced using various 35mm films and printing techniques, Alvarez’ photographs demonstrate the overwhelming and curious experience of meandering the Glen Foerd estate behind the scenes, provoking questions about accountability in historical stewardship, museology and preservation. By calling attention to the overgrown, non-native, and underrepresented, Alvarez proposes viewing the estate and its collection while questioning perceived value.