Fields of the Future

An interactive micro-exhibition and podcast where we talk about laces—originally Austrian-made, but now produced globally—in Nigerian culture.

Think of the fabrics around you growing up—is there a familiar stack of textiles, patterns, or garments? How did they get there? In this episode, we talk about how laces made in Austria landed thousands of miles away in the wardrobes of Nigerians, and the things that happened along the way as Nigerians remade these laces in their own image. It’s a story of evolving tastes, enduring culture, trade policies, industry crises, and more.

An interactive micro-exhibition and podcast where we talk about laces—originally Austrian-made, but now produced globally—in Nigerian culture.

As soon one hears that Baba so-and-so is celebrating his 70th, the next question might be, “Is there aṣọ ẹbí for the event?” In this episode, we talk about aṣọ ẹbí, our community practice that fuels the buying, selling, and wearing of textiles for celebrations in Nigerian communities.

In This Episode

Peter N. Miller speaks to Brandon R. Byrd, historian of Black intellectual and social history, about the scope of intellectual history, the “rise” of Black intellectual history, and the urgent necessity to incorporate stories and knowledges that have been left out of the field. Through lively and deliberate intellectual exchange, Byrd and Miller explore a discipline in flux.

In This Episode

Christina De León speaks to Tanya Aguiñiga about Metabolizing the Border, the performative embodiment of her engagement with the people and the landscape at the borderlands between Mexico and the US. With frank candor, Aguiñiga describes her years on the road and the environment, politics, and trauma that animate her work, as well as the emotional and spiritual difficulty of the performance and its aftermath.

In This Episode

Elizabeth Guffey speaks to historian Jaipreet Virdi about disability studies, her “path-breaking” approach to research, and the inclusive and collaborative opportunities social media allows scholars. Virdi’s work centers the people who used and adapted disability objects throughout history. Through rich and detailed examples Virdi illuminates the hidden stories behind these objects.

In This Episode

Ivan Gaskell speaks to curator, art historian, and professor Sarah Anne Carter about how objects illuminate hidden histories. Carter articulates the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinarity in curation, teaching, and writing. Through recalling her own educational trajectory she highlights the central role objects can play in learning.

In This Episode

Aaron Glass speaks with art historian and curator Heather Igloliorte about Indigenous futures, repatriation, and inclusive exhibition making. Using detailed real world examples Igloliorte articulates with alacrity and optimism how universities and museums can work towards being more supportive and inclusive of Indigenous peoples and perspectives.

In This Episode

Jennifer Mass speaks with conservation heritage scientist Marc Vermeulen about the links between art and science, the wealth of information carried within the sample, and the microhistories of objects that are contained in data analysis. Listen to this episode to nerd out on the nuances of how materials transform over time.

In this episode Soon Kai Poh speaks to conservator Ellen Carrlee about Indigenous collaboration and the role of the conservator in networks of care. Recounting stories from her professional life, she illuminates the many ways communities can be invited to help care for their cultural objects and in doing so help define the future of conservation practice.

In This Episode

Nina Stritlzer-Levine speaks with historian, theorist, and exhibitor Samia Henni about her approach to architectural history informed by her experience growing up in Algeria in the aftermath of French colonial rule. With targeted attention to the crucial role of the archive, both personal and collective, Henni poignantly highlights the significance of personal histories in combating colonial erasure.