There are many different outlooks on both terms material and materiality. Perhaps there is no real definition but rather it is based on interpretation. Material is defined as things that take on a physical form; the non-physical aspect being something that can be composed. Materie refers to distinctive nature of objects appearances; physicality was. Materiality is defined as the quality of being material;mere outwardness. Marx believed material was not just a physical object but something that shapes the world and the way we see the world. Material in the physical form is something of importance to me. The ability to use all of your fives senses smell,touch,taste,sound and sight to make an assessment of what you are in contact with.
Prior to this class I had virtually no knowledge of African American’s contributions to the silent film industry. George Johnson, although his name does sound familiar was not someone that I had learned about previously in my extensive African American studies. Learning about George Johnson’s incredible vision for the Lincoln Motion Picture Company and African Americans place in the silent film industry was something that I found intriguing especially with the limitations placed on African Americans. Upon finding out Johnson kept an archive of things related to the film company I was rather surprised. His commitment to making sure that African Americans contributions to silent film were preserved.
Physically experiencing George Johnson’s archives was mind-blowing for many reasons. Flipping upon pages and pages of newspaper cutouts, stock notes, letters,handwritten notes and pamphlets left me in awe. Learning from a first hand account about the Lincoln Motion Picture thru original newspapers dated more then 100 years ago rather then a secondary source. I was baffled that all of these were kept in prime condition and able to withstand time. To me there is nothing like experiencing the physical aspect of things.
Exploring The Smithsonian’s online x3D objects lead to me having many mixed emotions but then again maybe I am biased due to my love for the physical aspect of visiting museums and seeing artifacts in real life. Personally I think that technology should be used to enhance the real life experience of visiting a museum. The reason being I think its important for people to get a real understanding of the time period thru related artifacts and information. Museums often put together exhibits to paint a portrait and give a clear understanding of artifacts.
I agree with your thought about how technology should be used to enhance the real life experience of visiting a museum. I think we do see this with exhibits that have those digital screens right below the artifact for you to engage with and learn more about it. The intended purpose of the Smithsonian x3D was not for casual museum goers, but rather for specialists who have a background in these artifacts and would like to examine them further.