In this installment of Media Matters, Fublis is proud to feature Pooja Suresh, a dynamic professional whose work seamlessly blends archival research, exhibition curation, and publication. Pooja’s innovative approach to storytelling breathes new life into historical narratives, making them accessible and engaging for modern audiences.
With a passion for connecting the past to the present, Pooja has worked on impactful projects like Invisible Spaces, which explored urban youth perspectives through archives, exhibitions, and art. Her work highlights the creative potential of archives as a foundation for stories that resonate deeply with audiences while preserving their historical authenticity.
In this conversation, Pooja shares her insights on the art of curating compelling narratives, overcoming challenges in working with archival materials, and leveraging emerging technologies like VR and AI to revolutionize how we experience history. Her thoughtful perspectives offer inspiration for anyone looking to explore the intersection of media, history, and innovation.
Your work highlights the creative use of archives. How do you go about turning archival materials into stories that really capture people’s attention?
Pooja Suresh: Archives give us the opportunity to do that, because it is a collection of memories that people thought of preserving. So archives are by default a treasure trove of stories. They are evidence of the past and can very easily give a roadmap for the future. It is just a matter of looking into them carefully and finding some dots to connect. Stories that talk about people and their connections, be it to each other or to their surroundings, spaces, objects, etc., are always something that people connect with.
What sparked your belief in combining archives, exhibitions, and publications? How has this approach influenced the way you work on projects?
Pooja Suresh: Like I mentioned, archives are a treasure trove of stories. Using them creatively within exhibitions and publications helps lend evidence and authenticity to the stories we tell. The audience and readers can see that the stories are grounded in reality. Seeing the actual objects that inspired the stories also helps lend a sense of wonder to the audience/reader. It makes the stories we tell a lot more engaging.
Keeping this in mind helps me craft narratives that aren’t linear unless they need to be. I craft holistic stories that combine different perspectives and evidences for a rounded view of the subject. Be it in publication or exhibition form.
How do you make sure that archives and exhibitions feel relevant and engaging for today’s audiences while staying true to their historical roots?
Pooja Suresh: To ensure archives and exhibitions are relevant today while honouring historical roots, I focus on connecting past events to current issues, incorporating diverse perspectives, and using interactive technology. Engaging storytelling, inclusivity, and collaboration with communities help make history feel personal, which makes the current events feel even more relatable to the audiences or readers.
Can you share an example of a project where you brought together archives, exhibitions, and publications in a unique way? What was the process like from start to finish?
Pooja Suresh: One project I’m proud of is ‘Invisible Spaces’, an exhibition I co-curated and participated in as an exhibiting artist, which explored young people’s connections to urban spaces in Scotland. Commissioned by Historic Environment Scotland for the Year of Young People, the exhibition tackled themes like identity, homelessness, and mental health. We were a group of 18-26-year-olds who showcased often overlooked places. The project was unique because it integrated archives—materials were added to the National Record of the Historic Environment—and linked to ‘Visible Girls: Revisited’ by Anita Corbin in its showing. The exhibition, articles surrounding the exhibition, and archives from Historic Environment Scotland worked together to preserve these important youth perspectives.
In your opinion, how do exhibitions and publications help keep historical stories alive and meaningful in such a fast-moving, digital world?
Pooja Suresh: Exhibitions and publications provide a very tangible connection to history. Having things you can see, touch, feel, smell, creates an immersive experience that digital content alone can’t replicate. They allow for deep engagement with historical narratives, fostering emotional connections through artefacts, storytelling, and expert curation. In a fast-moving world, they preserve context, encourage reflection, and create space for dialogue, ensuring that history remains relevant and accessible while grounding us in the past amid rapid technological change.
Working with archives can be quite academic, but exhibitions and publications often need to appeal to a wide audience. How do you find the right balance between the two?
Pooja Suresh: The key is to make the content accessible without sacrificing historical integrity. I focus on presenting archival material through engaging storytelling, using visuals, interactive elements, and relatable themes that resonate with diverse audiences. By offering context, simplifying complex ideas, and making connections to contemporary issues, I can create exhibitions and publications that are both academically sound and compelling for the public. It’s about blending scholarship with creativity.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced when working with archives, and how have those experiences shaped your approach to curating exhibitions and publications?
Pooja Suresh: One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is working with limited or fragmented archival material, which can make it difficult to tell a cohesive story. This has taught me to be resourceful—often focusing on themes, narratives, or personal stories that tie the materials together. It’s also shaped my approach to curating by emphasising creative solutions, such as using multimedia or diverse perspectives, to bring the archival content to life for broader audiences.
Another challenge is working with delicate material, in which case you often have to use close replicas in order to preserve the original or find creative ways of display that limits the damage to the originals. These challenges and their solutions have only deepened my appreciation for the archives we hold and how important it is to preserve them properly to be able to tell stories with them later down the line.
Emerging technologies like VR and AI are changing how we experience history. How do you think these tools can make archives and exhibitions more engaging?
Pooja Suresh: Emerging technologies like VR and AI can transform how we engage with history by offering immersive, interactive experiences that bring archives to life. VR can transport audiences to historical settings, allowing them to explore environments and events firsthand, while AI can help uncover patterns or generate personalised narratives. These tools make history more accessible, dynamic, and relatable, engaging a wider audience, especially younger generations, by blending education with cutting-edge technology.
For someone looking to explore the intersection of archives, exhibitions, and publications, what advice would you give to help them get started?
Pooja Suresh: Start by gaining a strong understanding of archival research and curatorial practice. Explore different media—photography, text, digital tools—and how they complement one another in storytelling. Volunteer or intern with institutions to gain hands-on experience, and collaborate with diverse teams to learn about audience engagement. Above all, stay curious and open to innovative ways of blending historical content with contemporary formats to reach wider audiences.
What’s next for you? Are there any new trends or ideas in working with archives that you’re especially excited about or eager to try?
Pooja Suresh: I’m excited about exploring the potential of AI and immersive technologies like VR in curating exhibitions and working with archives. These tools can create interactive, personalised experiences, making history more engaging and accessible. I’m also eager to experiment with community-driven projects that incorporate crowdsourcing, allowing diverse voices to shape the narrative. Ultimately, I’m excited to see how these innovations can enhance both the research process and audience engagement in meaningful ways.
