Frans Masereel Centrum
Self-archiving as a mutual perspective
Interpunctie as a moment. The year-long practice of bolwerK and her archive are the motive for getting together at the FMC in Kasterlee, Belgium.
Literally, Interpunctie refers to the use of punctuation marks. The presence and the specific position of these marks are related to the content of the textual message. Hence punctuation regulates interpretation. The use of punctuation marks forms a bridge between the oral and the written tradition. Punctuation plays a part in the reproduction of documents and stories.
Through questioning the meaning of (self)archiving and collecting documentation of past projects, Interpunctie updates bolwerK´s story and identity. By examining the existence of this open collective, the personal memory is activated, cultivated and constructed.
Besides the mere registration of the productional and administrative functioning, the documenting, the documentation and the selection of (image) material play a prominent role in Interpunctie. Joint decisions concerning publication formats and choices relating to the representation material reinforce the inter-subjective and collective character of the archive.
In order to set this process in motion an interface has been developed: a combination of self-written scripts and existing online software. These work instruments structure the feed of archive material and simplify the processing and the writing process, therefore making it possible to publish a story.
In researching the importance of (self) archiving, bolwerK´s position becomes important. Working with an archive implies defining and attributing a value and being inscribed in a cultural historical framework. As such, bolwerK takes on concepts such as power, ownership and copyright.
By initiating discussions and presentations and by residing in the Frans Masereel Centrum, Interpunctie is made public and open to those who want to fictionalize the past, the present and the future.
Residents react to the archive based on a personal motivation and artistic proposal. The structure of the FMC is their work terrain and the on-site facilities allow for a practical implementation. Correspondents are reporters or ´agents´ who give input from outside.
follow online the writing of the text