The Museum of Sentimental Taxonomy is conceived as a roving exhibition, showcasing an ongoing photographic investigation of objects of sentiment created by Bay Area artist, Kija Lucas. Within The Museum, visitors will discover works that examine the objects we cherish and those we carry that house memory, meaning, and qualities that surpass the initial function of the object. Each object, something once held, can become a bridge to other people, places, and times, creating meaning and comfort for their owners; providing connection to loved ones. When creating a home, we may introduce these objects to make unfamiliar spaces familiar with remnants of the past which provide a sense of security and safety. When removed from context and exhibited as photographs along-side the sentimental objects of strangers, the objects captured in these works take on new meaning and welcome a diversity of stories.
The Museum of Sentimental Taxonomy is intended to grows within and between exhibitions as the museum, under Lucas’ direction, activates the space with gatherings, workshops and conversations. The Museum believes that including objects held dear to each participant adds an important piece to our collective story. TheMST.org @museumofsentimentaltaxonomy
Kija Lucas is a visual artist living and working in San Francisco, CA. She uses photography to explore ideas of home, heritage and inheritance. Lucas received her MFA from Mills College in 2010 and BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute in 2006. Her work has been exhibited throughout the Bay Area at, the Palo Alto Art Center, Montalvo Arts Center, The Headlands Center for the Arts, The California Institute of Integral Studies, and the Oakland Museum of Art. She is a recipient of an individual Artist Commission from The San Francisco Arts Commission. Lucas Has been an Artist in Residence at The Lucas Artists Residency at Montalvo Center for the Arts, Grin City Collective, and The Wassaic Artist Residency. Lucas is currently the program manager for The Growlery in San Francisco. She is a member of 3.9 Art Collective and the Curatorial Council at Southern Exposure.