The Bureau of Illumination | Elicia Epstein
Elicia Epstein (Lincoln, MA)
Glass, mirror, scrap steel, lamp parts, small found and haunted objects.
The Bureau of Illumination is an installation that builds on the site of the Glass Forest, serving as a space of literal and metaphorical light and epiphany within the Elsewhere Museum. In this work, Elicia expands upon the pattern of mirrors on the walls initially installed by Agustina Woodgate and Ian Montgomery in 2009.
A spark-like lamp welded from collection metal hangs at the center of the room, the mirror-covered walls reflecting and refracting its light. The result is a disorienting and illuminating experience of light and space that makes for the brightest room in Elsewhere.
Beneath the hanging light spark is an object oracle sourced from objects in the Elsewhere collection used for intuitive readings Elicia conducted with inquisitive and brave members of the public.
Artist notes:
“An object oracle functions much like a tarot deck-– instead of cards, the objects are the foundation for meaning-making and divination. In my practice, I frequently work with intuitive systems of knowledge. At Elsewhere, I wanted to create a space to honor the many objects in the collection and the stories they hold.”
How does a reading work?
Visitors to the museum who wish to give themselves a reading or conduct one for friends are invited to make use of the oracle inside the Bureau of Illumination.
By rolling each dice once, and object will be chosen. A typical reading will involve 1-3 objects, depending on the depth of the question or matter at hand.
Let’s say you roll and get Tiny E.T. How are we to understand it’s meaning?
Tiny E.T. is a toy modeled after the character in Steven Spielberg’s 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The story held here is of one searching for home, accidental voyages and mishaps. It could also foretell of new and surprising friendships, and the capacity for deep, empathic connection.
Maybe you roll the dice and get an object that seems far more abstract, like this jar lid, for instance.
The jar lid here is old and rusted, sitting facing up. It is both the bed and pedestal for a rusty piece of metal wire that loops playfully onto itself.
There is chaos and mess, as well as a delicate sense of containment; elegance alongside rust and age. The object recommends perspective when considering our problems. It could be a roller coaster of a time, though.
