Objects Week 1: Introducing the Material World

Approaching Objects

Descriptive Properties
Approximate size of object: (how big is it?)

Approximate weight of object: (how heavy/light is it?)

Estimated material composition of object: (what do you think it’s made of?)

Sensory Properties
Visual appearance of object: (colour/shiny or matte/rough or smooth/pristine or worn?)

Distinctive features: (anything that makes this object identifiable/stand out?)

Feel of object: (flexible or firm/warm or cold/flimsy or sturdy/fragile or solid/easily handleable or

difficult to wrangle?)

Speculative Properties
Based on the descriptive and sensory properties, what do you think this object is used for? (Try to push
your speculations – for example, if it’s worn, who by, and what for?)

What do you think the value or significance of this object is?

How might we “read” this object in a broader context of material cultures? (You might want to think
about consumerism/taste/function/aesthetics/globalisation/waste)