Skeuomorphs. Transmaterial Design in the Ancient and Medieval Mediterranean, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg via Zoom, November 17–19, 2021
Skeuomorphs transfer shapes and surface textures from one material or technique onto another, thus endowing them with ornamental properties.
The material cultures of the ancient and medieval Mediterranean generated a diverse spectrum of such transmaterial designs. While older research described faux materials and techniques (e.g. painted marbles or mosaics) primarily in economic terms, i.e. as cheaper substitutes, recent research has drawn attention to the own aesthetics of transmaterial design – especially when the skeuomorph reveals itself as a visual fiction. The ambition of the conference is to investigate the modes of transmaterial design beyond established material hierarchies. We want to ask how skeuomorph artifacts can be understood as components of complex design systems, allowing for a better understanding of the (culture-specific) mechanics of making and perceiving objects.
This perspective on the objects’ design principles opens up the possibility of a comparative view within larger geographical and temporal dimensions.
Advance registration required.