Collecting the contemporary

Abstract

How do we define ‘the contemporary’, can we collect it, and if so, how should we do it? A look at some of the issues from the perspective of the Word & Image Department at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London argues for the primacy of the object over the digital surrogate, and investigates the challenges -and opportunities - involved in collecting or representing ‘boundary crossing’ art and design practice. The arguments are illustrated by a selection of recent acquisitions, ranging from book arts, multiples and ‘maps’, to prints, drawings and wallpapers.