John Ashbery’s Nest allows individuals to explore the collections and spaces that inspired the legendary American poet, collagist, art critic and collector John Ashbery’s work through an interactive virtual tour of his private home. The website provides users with an unique opportunity to see the the art, objects, furniture, and books that inspired Ashbery’s poems and hear first-hand from the poet how these objects fueled his creative juices. In each room, you are able to zoom in and out of objects, listen to audio Ashbery discussing the importance of the objects, read additional information of the objects, learn more about Ashbery’s background, and explore links related to the relationship between objects and poetic imagination.
The sources of information on the website was collected through interviews, architectural documents, and excerpts of journal entries. The main source of information came directly from Ashbery and his partner David Kermani as they provided photograph of the house, readings, interviews, and access to Ashbery’s published and unpublished work. In addition, information from other sources such Open Road Media, The Poetry Foundation, and Yale Media and Broadcasting Center were used.
The creators of the project then used the information they gathered and processed it digitally. Photographs and videos of Ashbery’s home was used to create a 360-degree view allowed people to have a virtual tour of the home. The interviews given by Ashbery and Kermani were made audio accessible and placed in corresponding and relevant locations. Users are allowed to click on notable objects to learn what that object is and how it relates to Ashbey’s life. Relevant images, texts, or audio clips will appear after you click on the object.
Then all information was presented and visualized into an interactive website, where people can learn about Ashbery and the origins of his inspiration. A virtual tour of his home allows people to see almost everyone room in his house (one cannot view every room, but the creators are continuously add information).
Overall, I believe that the project staff did an amazing job creating an insightful and engaging website that not only gives a glimpse into the life of John Ashbery, but also allows users to feel like they were inside his home. I believe that interactive aspect is the highlight of the website because it allows users to be continuously engaged in the content. The amount of hard work and detail the team put to make the website is remarkable.
Hi Crystal! You had a very detailed and insightful introduction to the DH project! I totally agree with you on the point that this website gives a very “realistic virtual” experience of touring John Ashbery’s home. I believe this project really highlights the benefits of modern technology in learning (humanities, or really anything) because it effectively allows us to get the experience of learning in-person, while not actually physically being there. The combination of the camera movements as we enter the house and the 360 view effect actually surprised me and made me feel like I was there!