Attention !

What are you looking at?

Welcome !

[Last modified: March, 25 2019 01:32 PM]

About the theme

Attention is a notice, thought or interest (Cambridge English Dictionary). Our exhibition aims to make us aware of how we look at objects, so that we can ‘think’ about them, and ignite our ‘interest’ for them.

When the objects in our exhibition are observed, one tends to stop at the first thing found “cool” or shocking or distressing. With this natural bias we need to be careful what we focus on and be aware of what we leave behind. Realizing how we perceive gives us a more critical perspective on ourselves as well as the world around us. The objects you will find, although from different periods and places, could be said to show a shift in the gaze that is insightful for the understanding of the object itself and as a point of departure for further analysis. But listen carefully, it is not about restricting or dictating what you should look at but about expanding your view on the object and its implications. Once we understand the system an object is part of, and how different elements connect, we can make sense of the object and its wider narrative. This is complexity: the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Emergent properties here will be the knowledge you acquire and will be part of the world you construct. This orientation at a visual level is a skill transferable to any exhibition or object you will encounter in the future, and so much more in life.

Attention is a selective process. Our brain capacity is limited, we cannot process all stimuli in our environment. Through attention, we filter the world in such a way, that we can orient ourselves. Michael Posner (1980) describes attention as a spotlight.

Attention can be likened to a spotlight that enhances the efficiency of detection of events within its beam… …unlike acuity, the effect of the beam is not related to the fovea… subjects’ assumption that the fovea is closely coupled to attentional systems is a carryover from everyday life.

As often what draws attention is what attracts the gaze, take a look at the video below:

Impressive, isn’t it? Like a magic trick, let yourself be amused by the exhibition. Have fun!

Wiseman, R. (2012). Color changing card trick. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3iPrBrGSJM

About the structure

We urge you to engage with the different objects, starting with the one you want. Please take advantage of the online media to browse back and forth between pages and investigate the links between them. Indeed, complexity arises at three levels: between the elements in each object, the objects and their potential surroundings, then from the exhibition as a whole, constituted by the objects and the connections you form between them.

The perspectives from which you can look at an object are infinite, but we have highlighted a few. Their diversity should prompt reflection. Each of the five core objects are linked to further media to deepen the understanding of the object itself or the discussion that it supports.

Visiting an exhibition is a strange learning experience in the sense that it provides answers but raises even more questions. Interrogation is fruitful, if it frustrates you however, you may find further readings in the ‘Appendix’ to satisfy your curiosity.

About you (the audience)

This online exhibition is intended for novices, people who do not necessarily go to real museums, because they lack the time or wouldn’t know where to start. This exhibition is meant to relieve such constraints or intimidation. It can be visited on the tube, in a park, as a relief from 5am insomnia or during a lunchbreak: anywhere, anytime. It passively introduces the viewer to objects and hones ones observation skills. Without heavy academic content, it transfers existing knowledge, while allowing the creation of new knowledge: keeping the door open to multiple opinions and free interpretations, which can be shared on forums at the end of each page. We hope to inspire debate and discussion between members of the audience. Visiting an exhibition is a social experience!

Any individual above 12 years old, who possess some fundamental level of education, is able to make the most of this exhibition. It is equally aimed at those who mediate on the subject. 

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