Liz Rudnick Talks About Painting Over Family Photographs

For this episode of Why We Collect, we talk with artist and curator Liz Rudnick about her collections of artist monographs, small sculptures, and family photographs that she makes anew by painting over aspects of the image. Along the way, we discuss a variety of topics like how parental philosophies towards collecting are passed down through generations, how artists turn experiences into objects, and how art made with outdated media are preserved and displayed in authentic ways. We also talk about the difference between hoarding and collecting, trying to document ephemeral performance works, and collecting as a reminder for one’s existence. It’s a fun, wide-ranging conversation!

“I’ve always been really comfortable with the idea of describing myself as a collector... My collection is a living thing.”

Check out one of Liz’s photograph pieces along with a small sculpture that’s in her collection.

About Why We Collect

Why We Collect presents thoughtful conversations about the objects we keep—and create.

With the help of people who spend an inordinate amount of time managing objects and reflecting on their meanings—from collectors to curators, artists to archivists, and enthusiasts to entrepreneurs—we try to make sense of our messy material world.

Why We Collect is co-produced and co-hosted by Katherine Barbera and David Bernabo of Bright Archives, an independent archival production house.

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