"Art, History and Virtual Experience: Art and Archives in the Digital Age"

Art historians and others who study the humanities often rely on primary source materials like works of art and archival materials to carry out research, and the lines at the Art Institute attest to the value people still place on first-hand experience. Increasingly, however, art and other unique materials are available digitally, sometimes at even higher resolution and clarity than is possible in person. What do we make of these digital facsimiles and what do they mean for the future? As the virtual experience evolves ever closer to the real thing, what role will cultural institutions play for scholars and the public? What value will original materials hold as technologies develop and the distinctions between real and virtual experience evolve? If it is ultimately the human connection that draws us to art and archival materials, than the ability to connect physically with the past is what gives these materials their value.