 Subjects -> MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES (Total: 56 journals)
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- Fakers and Mold-Makers: The Use of Structured Light Scanning to Detect
Forgeries of Pre-Hispanic Effigies from Oaxaca
Abstract: A common forgery technique is to use molds to create a suite of objects. This article introduces a new technique to identify objects made with the same mold through the comparison of 3D models created using structured light scanning (SLS). SLS data, when analyzed with CloudCompare or other point cloud processing software, provides quantitative data on the variation between models that can be visualized in scalar fields. Inexpensive, adaptable, and non-destructive, the technique produces a digital signature for a mold that can be used to identify matching examples within a collection and be circulated between institutions. We demonstrate this technique on three forgeries of Zapotec urns from Oaxaca, Mexico, in the collection of the Royal Ontario Museum that were created in the early twentieth century AD. Published on 2022-10-12 10:44:41
- Kaitiakitanga: Utilising Māori Holistic Conservation in Heritage
Institutions
Abstract: It is imperative that heritage institutions deal with the legacies of colonialism within their collections, the way this material is retained, preserved, displayed and interpreted, and the impact that this will have on local and global audiences. Failing to do so risks such organisations being perceived as the beneficiaries of colonial violence, and acts as a barrier to the recruitment, empowerment and retention of minority ethnic and indigenous staff. Kaitiakitanga, drawn from the Māori view of the natural world and its stewardship, provides a sustainable and holistic means by which such issues can be understood and addressed. This paper explores the way in which the author has used his own heritage and experience to apply this philosophy to practical problems encountered in the heritage sector, both those arising from colonial legacies in institutions and collections, and those of a more general nature. By doing so, it is demonstrated that such an approach can be positively applied to practice across a range of activities, alongside existing procedures, to break down historic barriers and entrenched views, facilitating genuine and far-reaching change within the heritage sector. Published on 2022-08-26 10:44:26
- Catching Shadows: The Exhibition of Intangible Heritage of Moana Oceania
in Lisa Reihana’s in Pursuit of Venus [infected]
Abstract: Since the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003, and the increased prevalence of decolonising objectives in museums, curators have been faced with the challenge of how to exhibit intangible cultural heritage (ICH). Existing literature on ICH in museums is sparse and that which relates to exhibition technologies, like film, often focuses on audience effect rather than on content and context of the media or motivations/intentions of curators in their use. This research explores how curators utilise film to exhibit ICH in museums through the case study of Lisa Reihana’s in Pursuit of Venus [infected] (iPOVi). By tracking the creation and exhibition of iPOVi, especially through interviewing various curators of the artwork, it is clear that curators privilege film’s ability to represent complex aspects of culture, like ICH, and utilise the medium to engage with the decolonising objectives of museums. It is ultimately how ICH characterises every facet of iPOVi (the medium, content, and filmmaking and exhibition contexts) that allows it to bridge gaps in discourse surrounding material culture and ICH and exposes the potential for filmmaking to become a heritage process. Published on 2022-07-08 12:12:07
- Planning for a Sustainable Cultural Heritage Sector in a New Age
Abstract: This paper was prepared as part of the special collection on COVID-19 and the museum. The authors discuss the risks and uncertainties that the pandemic has introduced into the master planning process for cultural sites and resources. The paper concludes with reflections on how the heritage and cultural sector can best cope with these new realities. Published on 2021-09-23 12:03:03
- Let’s Imagine a New Museum Staff Structure
Abstract: Facing multiple unprecedented calamities throughout 2020—a global pandemic, economic upheaval, social turmoil, and climate crisis—museums shuttered, decimated their staff, and gutted their organizational structures. Now, they seem to struggle to maintain outward relevance in these bleak and uncertain times. What if, instead of being reactive, museums are proactive; instead of being defensive, they model social change' What if this change comes first from within' What if they rebuild differently, not guided by an insidious corporate model but one that places access, diversity, community, care, and people at its center' What if overhauling the internal staff structure—the static, hierarchical power dynamic, departmental silos, and over-bureaucratization of larger institutions—results in a museum that reflects twenty-first-century ideals of democracy' Let’s envision a different museum staff structure inspired by feminist theory, social entrepreneurship, and grassroots organizations. Published on 2021-07-05 11:18:31
- The Response of the British Library’s Conservation Department to the
COVID-19 Situation
Abstract: The British Library’s conservation department faced a significant range of challenges arising from the COVID-19 situation and the limited time available to respond to them. By drawing on areas in which the department already had particular strengths, such as risk management, salvage planning and training, we were able to address these issues and support the operational requirements not only of our own area but also of the wider Library, in dealing with both immediate concerns and longer-term issues relating to the resumption of normal activities. This has encouraged us to look at underlying assumptions about our working practices, enabling us to revise our approaches in ways which not only respond to the current situation but also have far-reaching benefits. Published on 2021-04-14 11:32:28
- COVID-19 Pandemic: Threat or Opportunity for Blind and Partially Sighted
Museum Visitors'
Abstract: The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is having a severe impact on museums and the cultural sector. New social distancing rules, one-way navigation systems, and hand sanitising regulations are affecting the embodied practice of visitors inside the museum. These changes potentially pose a threat to the experience of disabled people, in particular blind and partially sighted visitors, as they create new barriers to access the environment and the collection. On the other hand, the development of accessible digital content and access to online collections offered a positive experience during the lockdown periods, as disabled people could socialise and participate in cultural activities from home.Museums are now called upon to identify the long-term positive and negative effects of the pandemic on the physical and digital museum experience of disabled visitors. Museum professionals need to work around the clock to ensure that new embodied and digital practices become long-term opportunities to enhance accessibility and inclusion, rather than another insurmountable barrier for disabled people. Published on 2021-03-29 11:10:00
- Culture, Corona, Crisis: Best Practices and the Future of Dutch Museums
Abstract: The consequences of the coronavirus and the physical limitations it imposes on museums and their visitors force museums to rethink cultural identity and to approach the exhibition of material artworks differently. Only a limited number of people are allowed to visit the museum at one time, booking time slots is mandatory, making it difficult to welcome visitors. As most Dutch museums are largely self-funded, the lack of tourists, visitors, educational programmes that generate income, together with the insufficient financial support of the Dutch government, have greatly impacted their policies. This report analyses the coronavirus’ effects on the role of museums within the Dutch ‘anderhalvemetersamenleving’ (one and a half meter society). This report offers an overview of the changes that have taken place in Dutch society due to the limitations of physical interaction with artworks and the museum space as well as the way Dutch museums have reacted to these consequences. Lastly, this report offers an analysis of the success of these new developments and the challenges that still need to be overcome. Thus, ways will be proposed in which Dutch museums can learn from these actions in maintaining their critical function in society. Published on 2021-03-24 11:27:59
- Disinfection of Contaminated Heritage Surfaces from SARS-CoV-2 Virus
Abstract: For the heritage sector the global pandemic has introduced unique challenges; with infectious viral particles persisting on some surfaces for days, people must be protected from objects as much as the objects need to be protected from people.Until recently information on persistence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (which causes COVID-19) on different materials has been dispersed through the scientific literature, often with access limitations. Similarly it has been difficult to find information on how to disinfect heritage surfaces using methods which avoid the damage to the surface.Recent work by Historic England has collated information from Conservators and Microbiologists on the cleaning of viral particles from historic surfaces to combine the current information in one, accessible, place. Published on 2021-03-15 12:08:35
- Key Lessons in Adapting Interactive Experiences for a COVID-Safe Museum
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced museum communities around the world to rapidly re-examine their approach to safe visitor engagement. In an atmosphere of uncertainty, increased attention to hygiene and social distancing, the following is a reflection by SparkLab Sciencentre in the Queensland Museum, Australia, two months after reopening. It highlights the key lessons learnt and strategies adopted, as they continue to reshape and reassess their approach to safe hands-on visitor engagement. This reflection also emphasises the overarching importance of agile planning, open communication, and continued monitoring of COVID-Safe operations, visitor engagement and staff wellbeing. Published on 2021-03-15 12:02:26
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Open Access journal
