Sunrises

In the context of the larger research project ‘Tetrarchs, Transforming Data Reuse in Archaeology’, Chloé Dierckx collaborated with archaeologists and residents of Toumba Serron, Greece. The artist looked for ways to inform the local community about the archaeological excavations taking place in their village and to make them feel connected to their local history. 

Dierckx asked residents the following question: “What object of yours do you think archaeologist of the future will find?”. The responses were incorporated into a hand drawn card set, together with drawings of archaeological artefacts and stories. Designed to be reshuffled and rearranged, the cards present a non-linear narrative in which past and present intertwine. Through this, the artist reflects on the continuity and shared experiences of humans across time. 

Inspired by Tarot cards, the deck also invites reflection on the future—on what we hope future generations will continue to share with us.

The title Sunrises not only recalls the early morning excavations, but also gestures to the constancy of the sun’s rise and fall—unaffected by the ebb and flow of human societies.