Beyond the Goldmine Standard is an evolving exhibition curated by Matthew Hearn for RPM Music. Organised around the programme for Record Store Day 2015, and in association with the current BALTIC39 exhibition, The Curves of the Needles, the project considers a recurring interest in the vinyl record as an inspiration for artists.

Conceived in response to a series of fan-made record sleeves found amidst collections of second-hand records bought by RPM, Beyond the Goldmine Standard raisies questions of the parameters that govern value by inviting over 50 artists to work directly with a series of select second-hand LPs.

Between April 6 and May 15, 58 artists were invited to re-imagine and re-work a series of second hand records. Each Monday a new batch of artist reworked records will be re-released in RPMMusic and displayed in and around the existing points of sale in the record shop.

Working directly with and into the actual records existing measures of value were intentionally sidelined. Whilst we might recognize certain symbolic personal and cultural value in the presence of writing of other visible interventions on the surface of record covers, another resister of value, the Goldmine Standard sees such ‘residue’ as marring or of detriment to a record’s corresponding worth. Beyond the Goldmine Standard deems differently, and has been an invitation to think beyond such regimented classification.

The chosen records are not themselves considered particularly valuable or collectable, not are they jointly intended as a reflection of personal or established notions of taste. Through the interventions, ‘Beyond the Goldmine Standard’ explored the implications and creative possibilities in stamping a personal signature on these records: can such modifications compliment, enhance or redeem the value of these objects.

There will be a special closing event on Saturday 16 May, 5-7pm during which the LP’s will be for sale.

A Publication marks the first phase of the project cataloguing 62 LP’s exhibited in RPM Music across this period. 12” x 12” 32pp colour.

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