Material Proliferation

2018-Present

Through the buildings we construct, creeds are expressed-imposed. Reflections of vestiges of time and place carved into the topography of the present. Since historicism’s adoption as canon in the 18th century, it is believed that societies no longer reflect absolute truth, rather we are all rationalizations of social customs and institutions that are measured individually and separate from one another. It is through historicism’s erroneous assumption-that all civilizations are unique and disparate-that the model breaks down and ushers in extreme views of appropriation and guardianship over cultural traditions and products. No current form of civilization is untainted from the periphery of cultures near, or within its boundaries. This amalgamation sweeps through traditions, art, food, and beliefs to augment the landscape. Even through traditional modes of suppression practiced by the ruling class, this accumulation of experience cannot be subdued, the practice of religion, at a time when it was outlawed, is a perfect example. Culture proliferates and entwines with the reality we construct regardless of the oppressive state apparatus at work.