from Tehran Times
Researchers to document ancient Iranian architecture
go to article (PDF format)
A timely project, if recent developments in the geopolitics of the region (and the possible ensuing devastation to be expected) is anything to go by.
from Guardian Unlimited
Art for shuffling's sake
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An amusing article that makes me laugh. The writer started off with how Richard Wollheim, a well known British philosopher of art, used to regularly spent 4 hours in front of a single painting in his museum visits "for stray associations or motivated misperceptions to settle down...that the picture could be relied upon to disclose itself as it was." Then, he proceeded to show how, at the other end of the spectrum, the "herd instinct" the modern blockbuster show produces neither do the greatest paintings justice nor encourage meaningful museum experiences.
He muses "We are doing this art appreciation thing all wrong. We pay large sums of money to see beautiful paintings and then see them in conditions that are about as conducive to aesthetic pleasure as rush-hour strap-hanging on London's Victoria Line. At the end of the article, he concluded firmly that "if we were really serious about art appreciation, we would choose to see paintings in more rewarding ways than we do at present.
The state of visitorship at blockbuster shows in the Singapore museums have not reach the point whereby visitors have to book in advance or be limited to timed-ticket entry, so to me, beseides raising the general consciousness of problems associated with blockbuster shows, this article more importantly triggers us to think about how we can take the initiative to construct a more positive museum experience for ourselves despite circumstances.
Art for shuffling's sake
go to article
An amusing article that makes me laugh. The writer started off with how Richard Wollheim, a well known British philosopher of art, used to regularly spent 4 hours in front of a single painting in his museum visits "for stray associations or motivated misperceptions to settle down...that the picture could be relied upon to disclose itself as it was." Then, he proceeded to show how, at the other end of the spectrum, the "herd instinct" the modern blockbuster show produces neither do the greatest paintings justice nor encourage meaningful museum experiences.
He muses "We are doing this art appreciation thing all wrong. We pay large sums of money to see beautiful paintings and then see them in conditions that are about as conducive to aesthetic pleasure as rush-hour strap-hanging on London's Victoria Line. At the end of the article, he concluded firmly that "if we were really serious about art appreciation, we would choose to see paintings in more rewarding ways than we do at present.
The state of visitorship at blockbuster shows in the Singapore museums have not reach the point whereby visitors have to book in advance or be limited to timed-ticket entry, so to me, beseides raising the general consciousness of problems associated with blockbuster shows, this article more importantly triggers us to think about how we can take the initiative to construct a more positive museum experience for ourselves despite circumstances.
from Southeast Asian Archaeology
Fort Tanjong Katong
go to website
With the end of the first phase of the archaeological dig at Tanjong Katong Park for the remnants of a demolished fort, a progress report (PDF format) had been posted. There is also a photo gallery besides other online resources.
Fort Tanjong Katong
go to website
With the end of the first phase of the archaeological dig at Tanjong Katong Park for the remnants of a demolished fort, a progress report (PDF format) had been posted. There is also a photo gallery besides other online resources.
from GCI Newsletter
Partnerships: A Joint Issue with UNESCO
go to newsletter (HTML version) or (PDF version, 3Mb)
In the latest GCI newsletter, the exploration of the theme of partnerships is timely. As the awareness of heritage broadens in the larger society, partnerships across different social sectors become critical in achieving an enduring impact for heritage conservation / preservation efforts. No longer can we assume the innate "goodness" of heritage conservation or preservation efforts. Indeed, an active engagement with all aspects of society is important in ensuring the sustainability and relevance of conservation / preservation projects.
Partnerships: A Joint Issue with UNESCO
go to newsletter (HTML version) or (PDF version, 3Mb)
In the latest GCI newsletter, the exploration of the theme of partnerships is timely. As the awareness of heritage broadens in the larger society, partnerships across different social sectors become critical in achieving an enduring impact for heritage conservation / preservation efforts. No longer can we assume the innate "goodness" of heritage conservation or preservation efforts. Indeed, an active engagement with all aspects of society is important in ensuring the sustainability and relevance of conservation / preservation projects.
from The New York Times
The Gates Project for Central Park
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With the largest ever public art installation in New York City drawing closer to reality, the New York Times has collected articles and web-based resources together to trace the project as it takes shape. It is also worth noting that, as with Christo and Jean-Claude's previous outdoor interventions, this project will be "preserved" through multiple and dispersed channels such as photographs, artists' sketches, commentaries, articles and material remnants etc.
The Gates Project for Central Park
go to compilation
With the largest ever public art installation in New York City drawing closer to reality, the New York Times has collected articles and web-based resources together to trace the project as it takes shape. It is also worth noting that, as with Christo and Jean-Claude's previous outdoor interventions, this project will be "preserved" through multiple and dispersed channels such as photographs, artists' sketches, commentaries, articles and material remnants etc.
from BBC Radio 4 - Material World
One Man's Materials
go to programme notes
go to audio programme (RealPlayer format; segment starts at 13m:26s mark)
With the proliferation of new materials, it won't be long before artists become interested and incorporate them into artworks. It is also interesting to note that a materials science lecturer will be showcasing his collection of unusual materials at the Tate Modern!
Hence, the development of new materials is of import on 2 fronts. First, is that understanding how these new materials are made and behave over time, will better prepared us for their eventual preservation. Second, such materials, with never-before-possible-properties, could be of tremendous usefulness in devising better tools or techniques in heritage conservation.
And to kick start the process, one could also refer to an online compilation of a whole array of such unusual materials. Next stop: Mark Miodownik's "Library of Unusual Materials" at King's College, London.
One Man's Materials
go to programme notes
go to audio programme (RealPlayer format; segment starts at 13m:26s mark)
With the proliferation of new materials, it won't be long before artists become interested and incorporate them into artworks. It is also interesting to note that a materials science lecturer will be showcasing his collection of unusual materials at the Tate Modern!
Hence, the development of new materials is of import on 2 fronts. First, is that understanding how these new materials are made and behave over time, will better prepared us for their eventual preservation. Second, such materials, with never-before-possible-properties, could be of tremendous usefulness in devising better tools or techniques in heritage conservation.
And to kick start the process, one could also refer to an online compilation of a whole array of such unusual materials. Next stop: Mark Miodownik's "Library of Unusual Materials" at King's College, London.
from DigiCULT Thematic Issues
The Future Digital Heritage Space
go to publication (HTML format) or (PDF format - 10.1 Mb)
This is the final issue of a series of thematic reports which surveyed technological trends with potential direct impact on heritage institutions. Although articulated within the (funding) context of the European Union, the findings do have larger implication in our rapidly globalised and inter-connected world. For the concluding report, the emphasis is centered on near-future technological trends - both hardware gadgetry and software application - that cultural heritage organisations would need to grapple with, if the mission is to stay relevant in a changing world.
Of particular interest is the (foregone) observation that:
Within the older paradigm of museology, cultural heritage conservation had evolved into specific sets of function which supports the system of museum exhibitions, acquisitions and collections management. However, with the advent of a shift in technology use and impact on cultural heritage institutions, the focus will now turn to "persistent and perpetual access" as a strategy of preservation (primarily of digital content, even if based on actual concrete cultural heritage materials). This will surely have untold impact on how conservation functions and even the very identity of the conservation profession itself.
Are we ready for the future, yet?
The Future Digital Heritage Space
go to publication (HTML format) or (PDF format - 10.1 Mb)
This is the final issue of a series of thematic reports which surveyed technological trends with potential direct impact on heritage institutions. Although articulated within the (funding) context of the European Union, the findings do have larger implication in our rapidly globalised and inter-connected world. For the concluding report, the emphasis is centered on near-future technological trends - both hardware gadgetry and software application - that cultural heritage organisations would need to grapple with, if the mission is to stay relevant in a changing world.
Of particular interest is the (foregone) observation that:
"Consumers today take service for granted. What they are seeking are unique, meaningful and memorable experiences. This is not an argument for turning cultural heritage services into entertainment but a warning that services that do not invite, inspire, engage or immerse will not find a wider use."In short, the museum display can no longer pride itself on being didactic. It must instead seek to be engaging, without trivalising.
Within the older paradigm of museology, cultural heritage conservation had evolved into specific sets of function which supports the system of museum exhibitions, acquisitions and collections management. However, with the advent of a shift in technology use and impact on cultural heritage institutions, the focus will now turn to "persistent and perpetual access" as a strategy of preservation (primarily of digital content, even if based on actual concrete cultural heritage materials). This will surely have untold impact on how conservation functions and even the very identity of the conservation profession itself.
Are we ready for the future, yet?
from SEPIA (Safeguarding European Photographic Images for Access)
Care of Photographs
by Susie Clarke & Franziska Frey
go to publication (PDF format)
A comprehensive overview of the various factors affecting the deterioration of photographs and their long-term care, including considerations for digitisation and access. Other online resources relating to photographic materials, in terms of collections management and digitisation, can also be downloaded from SEPIA's publications web-page.
Care of Photographs
by Susie Clarke & Franziska Frey
go to publication (PDF format)
A comprehensive overview of the various factors affecting the deterioration of photographs and their long-term care, including considerations for digitisation and access. Other online resources relating to photographic materials, in terms of collections management and digitisation, can also be downloaded from SEPIA's publications web-page.
from The Bonefolder (volume 1, number 1, Fall 2004)
Conservation and Tools: An Inquiry into Nature and Meaning
go to article (PDF format)
Jeffrey Peachey, a bookbinder and book-conservator, argues interesting towards the end of his article that a way to improve conservation skills is to horne one's knowledge about and interaction with tools in conservation use.
Conservation and Tools: An Inquiry into Nature and Meaning
go to article (PDF format)
Jeffrey Peachey, a bookbinder and book-conservator, argues interesting towards the end of his article that a way to improve conservation skills is to horne one's knowledge about and interaction with tools in conservation use.
from The Art Newspaper
The Hirst shark: to conserve or not to conserve?
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When an artist decides NOT to follow time-tested techniques, especially when such techniques fall outside his field of competency, do we accept that as artistic license or irresponsible behaviour?
The Hirst shark: to conserve or not to conserve?
go to article
When an artist decides NOT to follow time-tested techniques, especially when such techniques fall outside his field of competency, do we accept that as artistic license or irresponsible behaviour?
from The Star Online
Lost city believed found in Johor
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Museum hopes Johor will assist in lost city quest
go to article
Manuscript leads to lost city
go to article
As the region braces itself for the exploration and possible opening up of a "lost city", it would surely have tremendous historical impact if the conjuncture proves correct. And not least of the future worries would be the detrimental effects of touristic encroachment, if indeed an ancient site is eventually found.
Lost city believed found in Johor
go to article
Museum hopes Johor will assist in lost city quest
go to article
Manuscript leads to lost city
go to article
As the region braces itself for the exploration and possible opening up of a "lost city", it would surely have tremendous historical impact if the conjuncture proves correct. And not least of the future worries would be the detrimental effects of touristic encroachment, if indeed an ancient site is eventually found.
from The Journal Gazette
Nothing golden about silencing of some sounds
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With the increasing rate of obsolescence in the useful life of present day equipment and machinery, the sounds that such contraption makes would become increasingly rare - to the point of disappearing forever. This makes the "preservation" of everyday sounds a perfectly worthy endeavour.
Nothing golden about silencing of some sounds
go to article
With the increasing rate of obsolescence in the useful life of present day equipment and machinery, the sounds that such contraption makes would become increasingly rare - to the point of disappearing forever. This makes the "preservation" of everyday sounds a perfectly worthy endeavour.
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