14.3.10

Library of Dust

David Maisel, Library of Dust 1211, 2005, C-print, 64 x 48 inches

"
From 1913 to 1971 five thousand one hundred and twenty one mentally ill patients were cremated on the grounds of the Oregon State Hospital. Their remains were sealed in copper canisters. The canisters were stored in the hospital’s basement until the 1970s when they were moved to a memorial vault underground. The vault was subjected to periodic floods. In 2000 they were removed from their institutional crypt, placed on plain pine shelves in a storeroom, and were left virtually forgotten until David Masiel heard of their existence and photographed them."

- Adam Harrison Levy, Observatory: Design Observer

Library of Dust 387

Library of Dust 1834

Library of Dust 2251

Library of Dust 1470