Creative Practices in Archaeology

This photo-essay draws from a three-year collaboration—Site_Seal_Gesture (2013–2016)—between archaeologist Lia Wei and geographer Rupert Griffiths. The initial point of departure was a reflection on the use of creative practice in our respective academic fields, and our shared interest in the relationship between time, materiality, and the human subject. This quickly developed into a shared discursive and artistic practice. Building blocks for a common language emerged through sketch dialogues and shared itineraries, which made connections between abandoned military defence architectures on the southeast coast of the UK and second-century rock-cut tombs in Southwest China. Speculative connections between past, present, and future were drawn out and deposited in models cast in plaster and life-size replicas carved in chalk or stone. Through the entwined actions of dwelling and making, the creative manipulation of archaeological materials constructs a unique tunnel between marginal landscapes and multiple temporalities.

This forum response questions the 'creative turn' in archaeology with specific reference to the work of the Archaeology/Heritage/Art Research Network - a loose constellation of academics, artists, events and activities which aims to interrogate the cross-fertilisation of these fields. Focusing on the historical example of the 'conversazione' as a model for participatory debate and practice across different disciplines, the paper argues for more grounded interactions between artists and archaeologists in the light of their increasing conceptual and methodological entanglement.