Reading 3

   The article, “Where What’s Done Comes Undone (Is a Museum)”,written by

Ezra Shales, addresses the fact that museums don't allow touching, which makes
them less engaging than they might be.

    Ezra mentions that his first museum experience was in an apartment above

where he lived with his parents.  The neighbors owned and openly displayed

things they collected and liked.  He saw their dishes “as tools for eating, as

well as eye candy”.  He was allowed to hold a Talavera pitcher and Faenza

jug.  Because the pieces were accessible, the environment encouraged his

“appreciation of art”, and discouraged rigid “categorization”. 

    He focuses particularly on two pieces that he examined in that apartment,

a factory “second” from Grueby, and a nineteenth century brick.  Both were

examples of how, through touching, information was derived and questions

were prompted, which created another dialogue regarding flaws.  The flaws

addressed craftsmanship.

   Ezra emphasizes the importance of touch.  Touch brings about a full

experience with an object, as opposed to visual alone.  It brings up

observations and questions regarding the design, applications used,

stresses, imperfections, workmanship, and texture.  Other questions can

pertain to the objects’ place in history, intent, and the creator.  Some questions

have answers, and some do not. What he also points out is that through

touch, there is the risk of breakage, which he acknowledges as the

downfall of touch.  He gives an example of Mexican earthenware plates

that fell to the floor.

   Museums can’t obviously let you touch. The preserved items would

break down through handling. There is also the risk of breakage. What

he lived through was a rich and unusual experience, not at all the norm.

He can’t expect the policy to change.  I think the article is one of

reflection, observation, expression, and reminition.

   I may be critical of museums, but they do preserve the past that we

learn from.  Looking at things from the past is where new ideas are developed,

and inspiration is derived.  Sole visual examination may not be the ideal

way to experience pieces, but preservation of the past is the reason

museums don’t allow touching, and why they aren’t as engaging as they
might be.