# Color-Coded Junk Chronicles The Sara Cwynar ‘Accidental Archives’ Project Transforms By Romina S. Cortellucci | Published 2012-07-27 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sara-cwynar-accidental-archives References: [junk-culture](http://www.junk-culture.com/2012/07/sara-cwynar-accidental-archives.html) & [saracwynar](http://saracwynar.com/accidentalarchives.html) The Sara Cwynar ‘Accidental Archives’ project transforms an array of dollar store objects into [beautiful photographic stills](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1). The New York-based artist and graphic designer Sara Cwynar was inspired to take everything she has found between dollar stores and flea markets and categorize it by color. The end result of this color coding was in fact an accident archive that sifted through the chaos and created order. Cwynar is quoted by the website Junkculture as saying that the project is "about working through all the [junk, souvenirs and photos we accumulate](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/assemblage-7-lost-and-found-ii), and the collective body of photographs we see and understand in our culture.” So whether it be a Santa Claus dolls or a pair of pink plastic gloves, each item from these [colorful collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorscape-installation) is given a sense of meaning when examined in the grander scheme of things. The Sara Cwynar Accidental Archives project is being shown at the Cooper Cole Gallery in Toronto until August 18th. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 28% | Activity: 31% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Color Coding:** Opportunity for businesses to develop color classification systems for organizing and categorizing products. - **Accidental Archive:** Disruptive innovation potential lies in creating accidental archives as a unique way to curate collections or organize information. - **Transforming Objects:** Opportunity for businesses to explore innovative ways to transform everyday objects into art or aesthetically appealing displays. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Design:** Innovative art and design industries can explore the concept of transforming ordinary objects into visually compelling works. - **Retail:** Retailers can utilize color coding systems to enhance organization and product categorization for a better shopping experience. - **Archiving and Information Management:** Companies in the archiving and information management industry can explore new approaches to curating and organizing data through accidental archive techniques. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Junkyard-Inspired Art Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/junkyard-diving.md) - [CD-Comprised Towering Art Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stratagems.md) - [Candy-Like Colorful Glass Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gele-series.md) - [Sustainable Creative Craft Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fyrn-studio-series.md) - [Whimsically Vibrant Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorama.md) - [Leftover Househouse Paint Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paint-drop.md) - [Repurposed Studio Scrap Pottery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daon-pottery.md) - [Intricate Fiber Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/threadwork-women-redefining-fiber-arts.md) - [Vibrantly Colorful Dynamic Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kayla-rumpp.md)