Art is legitimized through methods that are similar to religious rituals involving worship-based social gatherings such as critiques, receptions and exhibitions. It can also establish social importance through the collection of icons, which can range from photographic reproductions in the form of cards, posters and clothing to souvenir replicas. These objects bring into question the idea of the original and its value due to its reproduction and mass consumption. This system of legitimization adds to the history of a piece and can attribute to its accumulation and perpetuate the importance of its existence over time.

Based on various aspects surrounding the rituals of art and its acculturation, 2012.12.404F.0000 is a series of images that explores the concept of art and the archive and the processes that legitimize art.

Archives are used to collect and preserve information that is no longer in circulation. Archives of art are works that are considered still to be in circulation. The piece can be pulled from a climate-controlled vault and exhibited anytime. In the art world, the archive is vital to a work’s survival. For a piece to be archived is to insure its preservation, which endows the work with a safe and controlled environment, and therefore extends its life expectancy. By expressing concern for the physical care of art and its longevity, the work is legitimized based on the importance of its existence.