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Judy Natal: Future Perfect

CAE1214

Summary Note

Judy Natal Future Perfect Future Perfect consists of three photographic suites made in contested sites where human intervention has decidedly affected land use. Materials include journals, prints, research materials, correspondence, objects, maps, brochures, postcards, stamps, newspaper articles, and exhibition ephemera.

Biographical Note

Judy Natal is an Associate Professor of Photography at Columbia College Chicago, and is the author of EarthWords, published in 2004, and Neon Boneyard Las Vegas A-Z, published in 2006.Her photographs are in the permanent public collections of the California Museum of Photography, Center for Creative Photography, the International Museum of Photography and Film at George Eastman House, the Museum of Contemporary Photography, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, among others. Her work has been exhibited at Projects International and Photograph Gallery in New York City, the Nelson Atkins Museum, Kathleen Ewing Gallery, Washington, D.C., and the São Paulo Biennial. Natal has received numerous grants and fellowships including a Fulbright Travel Grant, Illinois Arts Council Photography Fellowships and Polaroid Grants and New York Foundation for the Arts Photography Fellowships. She has also been awarded numerous artist residencies nationally and internationally, that have taken her to Iceland and Biosphere 2 for her work Future Perfect. Most recently, she has been in residence at the Robotics Institute in Pittsburgh working on Uncanny Valley, her current project where she contemplates Utopic, Dystopic and Ecotopic environments.

Scope and Content

Future Perfect consists of three photographic suites made in contested sites where human intervention has decidedly affected land use: Las Vegas Desert Springs Preserve, where convincingly “real” nature was built to teach sustainable living in the desert; Biosphere 2′s experimental tracts, designed as a “mini earth” with five manufactured and manually controlled ecosystems in Oracle, Arizona; and, Iceland’s primordial geothermal landscape. The projects move backwards in fictional time from 2040 as they “display our hopes, perceptions and misunderstandings of nature, and suggest both the potential and pitfalls of our future on earth. They also describe how central nature can be to our lives, and how hopeful and confused we may be in using, recreating, and changing nature.” The photographs are a metaphorical presentation of our future, but also indicate our current intentions within and limitations toward our environment. Materials include journals, contact prints, Polaroid prints, research materials, correspondence, objects, maps, brochures, postcards, stamps, newspaper articles, and exhibition ephemera.

Arrangement

Judy Natal: Future Perfect is organized into six series: Materials about the artist; a series for each of the preliminary research locations organized by date of first residency or activity; a series about the Future Perfect Project; and, a series devoted to related projects. The materials in series one and six are organized alphabetically, while series two through five are organized by material type.

Inclusive Dates

1994-2023

Bulk Dates

2008-2012

Quantity / Extent

3 cubic feet

Language

English, Danish, French, German, Icelandic

Related Archive Collections

  • CAE1409: Dana Fritz: Terraria Gigantica
  • CAE1410: Heidi Neilson: SP Weather Station
  • CAE1602: Cape Farewell

Related Publications

Alling, Abigail. Life under Glass: The Inside Story of Biosphere 2. Oracle, AZ: Biosphere Press, 1993.

Biosphere 2 Center. Columbia University, Biosphere 2 Center: a living laboratory for earth & the environment. Oracle, AZ: Columbia University, Biosphere 2 Center, 1997.

Friedman, George. The Next 100 Years: A Forecast for the 21st Century. New York, NY: Doubleday, 2009.

Howard, Peter B. Martin Stone, Bookscout. Berkeley, CA: Serendipity Books, 2000.

McKibbon, Bill. Eaarth. New York, NY: Time Books, 2010.

Morton, Timothy. Hyperobjects. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press, 2013.

Natal, Judy. Earthwords. Syracuse, NY: Light Work, 2004.

Natal, Judy. Future Perfect: 2040 | 2030 | 2020 | 2010. Self-Published: Blurb, 2011.

Natal, Judy. Neon Boneyard: Las Vegas A-Z. Santa Fe, NM: Chicago, IL: Center for American Places in association with Columbia College, 2006.

Poynter, Jane. The human experiment: two years and twenty minutes inside Biosphere 2. New York: Thunder's Mouth Press, 2006.

Reider, Rebecca. Dreaming the biosphere: the theater of all possibilities. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2009.

Container Listing by Series:

CAE1214/1 Series 1: Artist Information, 2004-2023

Series 1 contains information about Judy Natal including résumés, publications, grant materials, and prior project materials.

  • ARCH-FILE 26-1

    • 1-1 Artist Information, 2009-2023
    • 1-2 Grants/Residencies, 2007-2011
    • 1-3 Project: EarthWords (1999 – 2001), 2004-2012
    • 1-4 Project: Joshua Tree A-Z (1999 – 2001), 2012
    • 1-5 Project: Neon Boneyard Las Vegas A-Z (2003 – 2006), 2006-2012
    • 1-6 Project: American Alphabet (2004 – 2006), 2004-2012
    • 1-7 Project: Astral Projections (2010 – 2011), 2010-2012
    • 1-8 Project: Eaarth (2010 – 2011), 2012

Additional Materials

  • Archive S-Box 10

    • 1-5#5 Neon Boneyard Las Vegas A-Z Exhibition, Poster, 2006

  • Archive S-Box 11

    • 1-2#3c Guggenheim Application Proof Print #1: Future Perfect: Buried Houses 2009, Print, 2009
    • 1-2#3d Guggenheim Application Proof Print #2: Future Perfect: Saguaro Brace 2007, Print, 2007
    • 1-2#3e Guggenheim Application Proof Print #3: Future Perfect: Ocean Viewing 2008, Print, 2008
    • 1-2#3f Guggenheim Application Proof Print #4: Future Perfect: Dead Computer 2008, Print, 2008
    • 1-2#3g Guggenheim Application Proof Print #5: Future Perfect: Formula for the Future 2009, Print, 2009
    • 1-2#3h Guggenheim Application Proof Print #6: Future Perfect: Palm Oasis 2007, Print, 2007
    • 1-2#3i Guggenheim Application Proof Print #7: Future Perfect: Tyvek Suits 2009, Print, 2009
    • 1-2#3j Guggenheim Application Proof Print #8: Future Perfect: Rock Suitcase 2009, Print, 2009
    • 1-2#3k Guggenheim Application Proof Print #9: Future Perfect: Fallen Palms 2008, Print, 2008
    • 1-2#3l Guggenheim Application Proof Print #10: Future Perfect: Mars Mission 2009, Print, 2009
    • 1-2#3m Guggenheim Application Proof Print #11: Future Perfect: Built Rock 2007, Print, 2007
    • 1-2#3n Guggenheim Application Proof Print #12: Future Perfect: Nature Map 2009, Print, 2009
    • 1-2#3o Guggenheim Application Proof Print #13: Future Perfect: Plastic Seal 2008, Print, 2008
    • 1-2#3p Guggenheim Application Proof Print #14: Future Perfect: Lava Bubble 2008, Print, 2008
    • 1-2#3q Guggenheim Application Proof Print #15: Future Perfect: Geothermal Veins 2009, Print, 2009
    • 1-2#3r Guggenheim Application Proof Print #16: Future Perfect: Red Dome 2009, Print, 2009
    • 1-2#3s Guggenheim Application Proof Print #17: Future Perfect: Geothermal Waterfall 2008, Print, 2008
    • 1-2#3t Guggenheim Application Proof Print #18: Future Perfect: Three Worlds 2009, Print, 2009
    • 1-2#3u Guggenheim Application Proof Print #19: Future Perfect: Blue Plastic 2009, Print, 2009
    • 1-2#3v Guggenheim Application Proof Print #20: Future Perfect: Geothermal Steam Portrait 2009, Print, 2009
    • 1-7#9 Astral Projections, Print on Hygrothermograph Paper, 2010 – 2011

CAE1214/2 Series 2: Preliminary Research, Springs Preserve, 1994-2007

Series 2 contains materials related to the first site (chronologically speaking) used to create the Future Perfect concept and imagery, the Springs Preserve in Las Vegas Nevada, which opened on June 8, 2007.

  • ARCH-FILE 26-1

    • 2-1 General Research & Travel Materials, 1994-2007
    • 2-2 Springs Preserve Research, 2005-2007
    • 2-3 Springs Preserve: Polaroids & Proof Prints, 2007

Additional Materials

  • Archive F32 Oversized Items

    • 2-1#1 Rand McNally Southern California Easy Finder, Map, 1999
    • 2-1#4 Arts Map Downtown Las Vegas, Map, 2002
    • 2-1#5 2002-2003 Official Highway Map, Nevada, Map, 2002
    • 2-1#6 Las Vegas Budget Car Rental, Brochure/Map, 2003
    • 2-1#7 Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Brochure/Map, 2003
    • 2-1#8 2004 Official Highway Map, Nevada, Map, 2004

  • Archive S-Box 59

    • 2-1#2 Nevada Indian Territory, Brochure, 2001

  • Archive S-Box 60

    • 2-1#10 Las Vegas Weekly, Newspaper, September 2006
    • 2-1#11 Las Vegas CityLife, Newspaper, November 2006
    • 2-2#1 City of 100 Murals: A Signature Project of The Las Vegas Centennial Celebration, Catalog,

  • Archive S-Box 61

    • 2-1#9 Fun on the Lake: Lakes Mead & Mohave, Brochure/Map, 2006
    • 2-1#12 Historic Preservation - Las Vegas Style, Newspaper clipping, December 21, 2006
    • 2-1#13 Gaming Today, Newspaper, April 2007
    • 2-1#14 Atomic Testing Museum, Mylar bag, not dated
    • 2-2#2 Your Desert Playground, Springs Preserve Grand Opening 2007, Brochure, 2007

CAE1214/3 Series 3: Preliminary Research, Biosphere 2, 1999-2009

Series 3 contains materials related to the second site (chronologically speaking) used to create the Future Perfect concept and imagery, Biosphere 2, located in Oracle Arizona and currently managed by the University of Arizona.

  • ARCH-FILE 26-1

    • 3-1 Research & Travel Materials, 1999-2007
    • 3-2 Biosphere 2: Exhibit Images, 2008-2009
    • 3-3 Biosphere 2: Exterior Images, 2008-2009
    • 3-4 Biosphere 2: Interior Images (1 of 3), 2008-2009
    • 3-5 Biosphere 2: Interior Images (2 of 3), 2008-2009
    • 3-6 Biosphere 2: Interior Images (3 of 3), 2008-2009
    • 3-7 Biosphere 2: Images of People, 2008
    • 3-8 Biosphere 2: Contact Sheets, 2008

Additional Materials

  • Archive F6 Oversized Items

    • 3-1#2 AAA North American Regional Series: Western States/Provinces, Map, 2003

  • Archive F32 Oversized Items

    • 3-1#3 2006-2007 Tucson City Map, Map, 2006
    • 3-1#4 2007-2008 Tri-City Business Area Map: Prescott, AZ, Map, 2007

  • Archive S-Box 59

    • 3-1#5 Museums of Central Arizona, Brochure, not dated

CAE1214/4 Series 4: Preliminary Research, Iceland, 2004-2012

Series 4 contains materials related to the third site (chronologically speaking), which was used to create the Future Perfect concept and imagery, Iceland. Natal had several residencies in Iceland and visited each year from 2008 – 2012 for this project.

  • ARCH-FILE 26-1

    • 4-1 Travel Logistical Information, 2010-2012
    • 4-2 General Travel Materials (1 of 2), 2005-2012
    • 4-3 General Travel Materials (2 of 2), 2008-2012

  • ARCH-FILE 26-2

    • 4-4 West Iceland Travel Materials, 2004-2012
    • 4-5 North Iceland Travel Materials, 2008-2012
    • 4-6 East Iceland Travel Materials, 2012
    • 4-7 South Iceland Travel Materials, 2007-2012
    • 4-8 Reykjanes Peninsula Travel Materials, 2008-2012
    • 4-9 Reykjavík & Environs Travel Materials, 2005-2012
    • 4-10 Húsavík Travel Materials, 2007
    • 4-11 Journal & Correspondence, 2009-2011
    • 4-12 Icelandic Ephemera, 2006-2012
    • 4-13 Postcard Collages, 2008
    • 4-14 Geothermal Plant Images (1 of 2), 2008-2009
    • 4-15 Geothermal Plant Images (2 of 2), 2008-2009
    • 4-16 Hverir Steam Portraits (1 of 3), 2008-2009
    • 4-17 Hverir Steam Portraits (2 of 3), 2008-2009
    • 4-18 Hverir Steam Portraits (3 of 3), 2008-2009
    • 4-19 Specific Iceland Locations (1 of 2), 2008-2009
    • 4-20 Specific Iceland Locations (2 of 2), 2008-2009
    • 4-21 General Iceland Images (1 of 2), 2008-2009
    • 4-22 General Iceland Images (2 of 2), 2008-2009

Additional Materials

  • ARCH-OBJ 11 Objects

    • 4-12#1 Map of Iceland Painted Box, by Kunsang Tsering, 2012

  • ARCH-OBJ 12 Objects

    • 4-12#4 Svartbakur Egg, not dated CAE Box 56

  • ARCH-OBJ 71

    • 4-12#2 Sewing Threadbone, þráðarleggur, not dated
    • 4-12#3 Sheephorn Sculpture, not dated CAE Box 264

  • Archive F6 Oversized Items

    • 4-2#2 Globetrotter Travel Map: Iceland, Map, 2007
    • 4-2#5a Hálendið: The Highlands - Le Haut Pays - Das Hochland, Map, 2011
    • 4-2#7 Iceland Illustrated Map, Map, 2012
    • 4-9#9 Big Map: Iceland, The Greater Reykjavík Area, Akureyri, 2010-2011, Map, 2010
    • 4-9#10 Big Map: Iceland, The Greater Reykjavík Area, Akureyri, Map, 2010
    • 4-9#13 Big Map: Iceland, The Greater Reykjavík Area, Akureyri, 2012-2013, Map 2012
    • 4-9#14 Big Map: Iceland, The Greater Reykjavík Area, Akureyri, Map, not dated

  • Archive F32 Oversized Items

    • 4-7#6 Rangárþing and Mýrdal Visitor's Map, 2010-2011, Map, 2010
    • 4-7#7 Rangárþing and Mýrdal Visitor's Map, 2011-2012, Map, 2011
    • 4-7#8 Rangárþing and Mýrdal Visitor's Map, 2012-2013, Map, 2012
    • 4-9#5 Map of Reykjavík, Map, 2009

  • Archive S-Box 59

    • 4-7#13 Eruption Emergency Guidelines, Brochure, not dated

  • Archive S-Box 60

    • 4-4#8 Ketildalir við Arnarfjörð, Article, not dated
    • 4-9#21 Aföfuguggum, Article, not dated

  • Archive S-Box 61

    • 4-3#4 Iceland Review, Vol. 1, Newspaper, 2012
    • 4-5#5 Norðurland, Map, not dated
    • 4-5#6 Norðurland Activity Map, Map, not dated
    • 4-7#12 Laki Craters, 2012, Brochure, 2012
    • 4-7#14 Vatnajökull National Park Area Map, Map, not dated
    • 4-7#16 Visit South Iceland, Map, not dated
    • 4-7#17 Skógar Folk Museum, Austur Eyjafjöll, Brochure, not dated
    • 4-9#3 The Reykjavik Grapevine, Issue 06, 2008, Newspaper, 2008
    • 4-9#4 The Reykjavik Grapevine, Issue 08, 2008, Newspaper, 2008
    • 4-9#6 The Reykjavik Grapevine, Issue 11, 2010, Newspaper, 2010
    • 4-9#7 The Reykjavik Grapevine, Issue 12, 2010, Newspaper, 2010
    • 4-9#8 The Reykjavik Grapevine, Issue 13, 2010, Newspaper, 2010
    • 4-9#11 The Reykjavik Grapevine, Issue 09, 2012, Newspaper, 2012
    • 4-9#12 The Reykjavik Grapevine, Issue 10, 2012, Newspaper, 2012

CAE1214/5 Series 5: Future Perfect, 2008-2012

Series 5 contains materials about the project Future Perfect including book drafts, quotes, a bibliography.

  • ARCH-FILE 26-3

    • 5-1 Project Information and Timelines, 2010-2012
    • 5-2 Research Materials, 2008-2012
    • 5-3 Bibliography and Quotes, Not dated
    • 5-4 Blurb Book Draft and Mockup Pages, 2011
    • 5-5 Future Perfect Book, Spiral Bound, 2011

Additional Materials

  • ARCH-OBJ 11 Objects

    • 5-1#7a The Cosmos (1), not dated
    • 5-1#7b The Cosmos (2), not dated CAE Box 48

  • ARCH-OBJ 32

    • 5-1#7c The Cosmos (3), not dated CAE Box 116

  • Archive Bin 1 Moving Location

    • 5-1#2 Natural Disaster Timeline, 6/2006 – 12/2010

  • Archive F17 Oversized Items

    • 5-1#1a First Timeline of Future Perfect, (B&W) 2010
    • 5-1#1b Second Timeline of Future Perfect, (Color) 2010

  • Archive S-Box 60

    • 5-2#6 Meow Wolf: The Due Return, THE Magazine, Article, June 2011

  • Archive S-Box 61

    • 5-2#5 Reading Earth's Future in Glacial Ice: Rising Seas Predicted as Threat to Coastal Areas,

CAE1214/6 Series 6: Outcomes, 2010-2014

Series 6 contains materials related to Future Perfect including blogs, interviews, presentations, exhibitions, and reproduction requests.

  • ARCH-FILE 26-3

    • 6-1 Blogs, 2010-2011
    • 6-2 Interviews, 2011-2014
    • 6-3 Presentations, 2010-2013
    • 6-4 Project Exhibitions, 2011-2013
    • 6-5 Reproduction Requests, 2012-2013

Additional Materials

  • Archive S-Box 10

    • 6-3#2 Judy Natal at University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Art & Art History Department Visiting Artist Lecture, Poster, 2010