Orbital Debris

Artist Anthony Grant created a series of collages on 25 boxes that were on display for one day, June 17, 2023 in San Francisco. The idea to use boxes was a reaction to the nonconventional space they would be displayed in—the backyard of two creatives Thorsten and Kei. They publish a zine called b0ardside. The work is a continuation of his collage making practice which often includes rich textures, imperfections, screen printing, ink transfers, coded messages, and imagery that evokes the artists’ lived black experience.

The term orbital debris is a reference to the ‘junk’ that can be found in outer space—anything from satellites to dislodged rocket boosters. The artist is using this term as a metaphor to how memories float within our minds. The collages are constructed with images from 1970 to 1980's black publications that would be typically found in his home during his childhood. The faces are recasted as members of his own family—similar to how a film about a public figure would have another public figure play its part. Viewers are encouraged to not only view the work as a sculptural assemblage they are also encouraged to rearrange the works. The artist wanted to remove the barriers often created in the traditional gallery setting which is usually look but don’t touch.