The collection as blueprint

Abstract

The following thoughts about collecting design seem to contradict promoting talent awards to a disturbing extent. After all, being the recipient of such awards is a promising beginning. The award is a recognition of accomplished work and is meant to provide the necessary encouragement to hone the recipients’ talent further. Many career launches have been boosted by talent awards. On the other hand, some people see collecting objects as a process implying finality. Those who believe in authority will be happy to know they have made it into the collection or archive, but to lively minds this can also be a scary prospect. However, both sides are victims of a misunderstanding. Indeed, where does the idea come from that acquiring collection status is the final goal? Hopefully not from the museums. But where else might it come from?