Why Matter Matters
BFA Senior Class 2019 Thesis Installation Project
Why Matter Matters is an exploratory project conducted to defend the use of physical means and analog processes in contemporary design. The project activates a variety of media, from analog print techniques to collected physical materials. The project subsequently demonstrates the unique advantage physical media has over the virtual and digital media of today's digital-centric environment.
Physical matter allows audiences to create experiences unique to each individual. Humans inherently respond stronger to an interaction with physical material than to any interaction with virtual experiences. This phenomenon has been proven through cases of behavioral research, and flaunted by designers still faithful to physical and analog design media. This case of defense was elaborated in my essay, A Defense of the Analog.
In defense of this unique advantage, Why Matter Matters was initiated to explore the possibilities of physical media. The project pursued to convey how interaction with tangible materials and objects leave a strong impression upon the viewer’s curiosity and memory through activation of the senses.
The installation was designed to be an experiential piece that required activation by participants to develop and take flight. Situated in the corner of CFA School of Visual Arts' Faye G., Jo, and James Stone Gallery, the installation was composed of a 3.5'x5' canvas and an adjacent panel of layered, malleable materials, as well as a vessel containing small tacks. The installation encouraged participants to directly engage with the suspended materials of the installation, and add their manipulated specimens to the collection on the adjacent canvas.
The installation upon the gallery's opening, soon to be activated by participants.
Some of the creations made and added to the installation canvas were truly remarkable. Here, a participant sculpted a hand out of tinfoil.
A BU student and campus journalist engaging with the installation.
Fellow BU CFA students try out the installation themselves.
More participants interacting with the installation, adding their specimens to the collection.
They say a good artist makes art, but a great artist becomes their art.
