Figuring the Archive

Across nearly eight years, we have been arranging squares—making and perpetually remaking a graphic identity. Inviting new bedfellows, repositioning histories, and welcoming new shapes of meaning—our graphic activity has mirrored our work in the archives of the Amistad Research Center and those of artists, including Tina Girouard and Bettina. Our design team has helped us to see the work differently. Part way-finding, part estrangement—the work to design books, exhibitions, and web publications is core to Rivers’ practice. On Thursday, November 5, we welcome you to join us for ‘Figuring the Archive: A Conversation with graphic designers Scott Ponik, Eric LI, and Nazli Ercan’ at Merchant House. Rivers Founding Director and Chief Curator Andrea Andersson will moderate a conversation with our house graphic designers to discuss the tools, technologies, and methodologies that we use to give new shapes to our cultural histories and to share them widely. Rivers’ full catalogue of books will be for sale with our friends at FREDA (adjacent to Merchant House)—as well as a new limited edition poster—of our shapes past and present. Doors open at 6pm, and the program begins promptly at 6:15pm. IMAGES: (1) Graphics by @n.na.naz