On Thursday, 11 April, Landmarks opened its newest installation, Spontaneous future(s), Possible past by artist Beth Campbell. Sited at Dell Medical School’s Health Transformation Building (HTB), the commission was celebrated with a series of events across campus.
Campbell’s large sculptural mobile and companion drawing were unveiled at a preview event in the HTB, with remarks from Dr. Clay Johnston (Dean of Dell Medical School), Andrée Bober (Director of Landmarks), and the artist. The event also featured the premiere of a dynamic new video about Campbell’s installation.
The preview was followed by a public Q&A with Campbell and Timothy Morton, the Rita Shea Guffey Chair of English at Rice University and contemporary philosopher. Hosted in the university’s ART Building Auditorium, the conversation explored connections between Campbell’s project and Morton’s research in object-oriented thought. Both Campbell and Morton are interested in parallel realities—informed by the ever-changing paths and possible outcomes of decision-making. The pair also discussed what these outcomes can mean for the future of mass extinction and automation. (We invite you to read Morton’s curatorial essay for a deeper dive into these complex theories.) The Q&A was followed by a celebratory reception in the ART Building Atrium.
We are pleased to add Campbell’s mobile and companion drawing to Landmarks’ collection of public art on campus. Both works are available for public viewing in the Health Transformation Building. Corresponding activity guides and Morton’s curatorial essay can be found on Landmarks’ collection webpage.
Photos from the preview event, Q&A and reception:
From left: Andrée Bober, Kate Werble, Beth Campbell, Timothy Morton
Photo by Thomas Meredith
Dr. Clay Johnston, Dean of Dell Medical School, in front of Spontaneous future(s), Possible past
Photo by Callie Richmond
Beth Campbell installing Spotaneous future(s), Possible past
Photo by Christina Murrey
Arts supporter Michael "Mickey" Klein pictured with Spontaneous future(s), Possible past
Photo by Callie Richmond
Timothy Morton and Beth Campbell during the Q&A event
Photo by Thomas Meredith
New York gallerist Kate Werble with Beth Campbell’s companion drawing
Photo by Callie Richmond