Hello AAM members!
We're pleased to invite you to join Art Bio Matters, an international community of curators/cultural historians, conservators, and scientists with a shared interest in biological materials found in cultural heritage.
Any material that was once living can hold molecular information about its origin, manufacturing process, and degradation. Biological materials from animals and plants include bone/ivory, inlays (horn, tortoise shell, etc.), hair/fur, glues, paint binders, surface coatings, residues, and more. An investigation of biological materials helps us to tell a more complete and informed story about an object, its manufacture, and its place in geography and time. Often overlooked, an understanding of biological materials serves to better interpret and contextualize our cultural heritage found in collection items.
Who we are: Art Bio Matters is a rapidly growing conclave of scientists, curators/cultural historians, and conservators who bring to the community different research methods, modes of seeing, and desired outcomes in the investigation of biological materials in cultural heritage collections. Your perspective is valued, regardless of whether your goals are better preservation, analysis, or interpretation. While the core disciplines of ABM are science, curatorial/cultural history, and conservation, ABM welcomes all stakeholders in cultural heritage studies.
What we do: Art Bio Matters proactively engages and supports a community of curators/cultural historians, conservators, and scientists through a dedicated website, Slack workspace, and biannual meetings. At artbiomatters.org, you have free access to educational resources, opportunities, descriptions of advanced scientific approaches (e.g., DNA, mass spectrometry, and antibody-based techniques), historical and conservation educational materials, open-ended research questions, emerging ethical issues, and more. You are invited to join, explore, learn, and contribute your expertise. Our website is currently evolving, and we are open to suggestions and contributions in order to best serve our community.
What we believe: We believe that identifying and understanding biological materials in collections is best achieved through active education and collaboration. To further this mission, ABM's foundational principles are:
- Inclusive participation of specialists from all three disciplines – curatorship/cultural history, conservation, and science.
- Curiosity, respect, and acknowledgement for the contribution of all disciplines to cultural heritage studies.
- Willingness to openly share and debate the real value to non-scientists of the data produced by scientific analysis.
- Candid evaluation of the logistical and aspirational aspects of past projects to prioritize vital areas of study and better allocate resources.
Joining ABM unlocks access to our Slack workspace, where you can connect with other ABM members, discuss topics of interest, share research highlights, job postings, or upcoming events. You will also receive invitations to our featured speaker series and updates on our upcoming conference, ABM 2023. Visit artbiomatters.org and click "JOIN" to become part of the community! ------------------------------
Kasey Hamilton
Mellon Fellow, Objects Conservation
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia PA
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