Material & Virtual Cultures: Trans-forming The Museum And Gallery Experience

Course Code: MMAMGE_08

Masters Level Module

This module investigates the key role that new media technologies now play in the work of many artists and designers, in learning, and in the interpretation of art and artefacts in galleries and museums. Both artists' work and museum and galleries provide a platform for critically considering the ways in which recent technological changes such as the Internet, virtual reality environments, artificial intelligence, surveillance technologies – to name only a few – have influenced the reception and dissemination of visual culture. In the context of this module 'visual culture' refers to all aspects of culture that rely on visual imagery, such as two-dimensional artworks, photographs, comics, screen displays, advertisements, sculpture, video. This module is designed to open up the space for interdisciplinary discussions beyond the fields of art, design and museology. It embraces contemporary discussions around the authenticity of the object, taxonomies of the 'visual,' the impact of technology on public and private spheres, the relationship between old and new media, interactivity, and use of technologies to develop new audiences and new ways of facilitating learning. It includes the in-depth study of immersive installations, video art, simulacra, avatars, video games, mobile and navigational technologies, podcasting, and digitisation. Please note this course will be taught by a visiting lecturer: Alex Flowers.

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