Objects, Memory and Material Futures.
For my micro-teach session, I wanted to explore a new idea that was closely aligned with topics I had been reading about in Yasmine Ostendorf-Rodriguez’s book Let’s Become Fungal, particularly how memory shapes our perception of the past and influences our visions of the future. The session was titled Objects, Memory, and Material Futures. Its aim was to explore how we remember objects and how these memories contribute to the ongoing narrative of an object and could influence its potential future.
Outline of session
20 minutes
- Introduction of myself
- the outline and focus of session.
- Artist project – Annette Messager- Remains II: Exploring how objects and remnants carry traces of memory.
- Image of my own object and personal connect to it.
- Task 1– Think of an object that holds significance to you, consider its personal meaning or connection, visualize that object in your mind, think about its shape, material qualities, colour, details and textures. Draw the object from memory.
- Artist Project- Erik Kessel European Archive
- Task 2 – Imagine where your objective will be in 50-100 years, using free writing write a brief narrative of your object’s possible future.
Research for the micro teach session
Jordan, L. (January 2023) ‘Object Based Learning’, How to use objects to support learning and teaching techniques.
The session explored how participants experience objects online, and our experience of them in a sensory way. In Task 1 we were asked to describe an object through touch without looking at it, task 2 was to describe an object viewed online an image on a screen. This exercise made me reflect on how our perceptions of an object can differ depending on how we experience it—whether through sensory interaction, a flat photographic image, or from memory. It made me consider how each of these methods shapes our understanding and perception of the object in unique ways.
Additionally, the session highlighted how bringing personal experiences into a session can create an immediate and meaningful connection with the participants.
Europe Archive, by Erik Kessels
In this project, Erik Kessels collects objects from flea markets across Europe, seeking to recreate a collective memory of Europe. Through this, he explores the idea of transitional objects, migratory patterns, and memory. As Kessels reflects, “The chance encounters with objects, their memories, are disappearing.”
Room of the Future, by Interactive Research Studio @ Museum of Home
“Room of the Future” at the Museum of Home, created by Interactive Research Studio, is designed as a dynamic, evolving space. It will be updated over the course of a decade with interactive artifacts reflecting societal and technological changes.
These projects inspired me to consider the transitional qualities of the objects we own and use, and how, by engaging with their evolving narratives, they could remain in our minds and be reimagined for changing futures.
Reflections
Through my research I explored our connection to objects, the memories they hold and that these personal connections and memories build an objects narrative.
I questioned how this can affect our perception of these objects and questioned how we could continue to evolve their narratives and keep these connections. I became interested in the ways we can experience an object, exploring ideas of connection and disconnection. This led me to reflect on how we don’t always know where objects or materials come from or where they are going.
I thought it would be fun to speculate future objects using our own experiences and connections. Is it easier to imagine new possibilities for objects when they’re not physically in front of us, online?
I found the experiences of doing the Microteach valuable in developing a greater understanding of my own practice. Sharing with my peers it felt comfortable, like a friendly rehearsal, this enabled me to reflect well on my session.
Overall, I felt that my ideas were interesting, but the session itself needed really developing and editing down. In retrospect I think about half the content would have worked for 20 mins, this would have allowed for more discussion and reflection within the group.
My research and thinking overtook the planning and I lost sight on the aim to create a focused 20 min Micro teach.
I also feel that to led with my own object that was so personal to me set the tone and made the session an emotional share which possibly overshadowed my intention.
I found talking through my microteach and gaining feedback was positive and interesting to hear other practitioners’ viewpoint, especially coming from different disciplines and types of roles.
Audience feedback
Personal= angle depth and authenticity. Suggestion of Martin Parr? Make use of available tools. Couldn’t object be in the vicinity as opposed to having to remember it? Response, possibly effect of memory on the object. Careful with emotional resonance of objects as it may trigger strong emotions within participants. C reflected on her own story and realised the ‘emotional load’ and will consider. Useful quotes, perhaps a bit more time on task. (VG)Would it be useful to mention materials needed for the tasks ahead at the beginning? Though this may depend on session setting and purpose.
Thick description and personal angle give a depth and authenticity to your micro teach. Range of example and context really interesting. Streamlining image sharing capability maybe ask them to show the drawing or object on camera?
References
- Jordan, L. (January 2023) ‘Object Based Learning’, How to use objects to support learning and teaching techniques. Available at: Wednesday 24 January, 2-4pm: Seminar on Object-Based Learning
- Interactive Research Studio. (2024). The Room of the Future. https://research.northumbria.ac.uk/irs/the-room-of-the-future/
•Erik Kessel, Thomas Mailaender (June 22 to August 27, 2023). Europe Archive. https://europearchive.eu/
- Ostendorf-Rodriguez, Y. (2023) Let’s Become Fungal! Mycelium Teachings and the Arts. Edition. Valiz, Amsterdam:Astrid Vorstermans & Pia Pol.