Physical Presence

The idea of physical presence in a space is a concept that is becoming more and more lost as technology and time progress. The value of being in a physical space is also being forgotten. The evolution of the internet and the smartphone have changed the way that people interact. I work with two individuals whom I have seen in-person 2 times in the last 8 months. We communicate via skype, email and phone which basically cancels out any need for being together in the same space. Sadly, new technologies allow this process to perpetuate and become easier as well as more common. I personally don’t mind the lack of physical presence; It is often easier to get the content I want or need to know from an internet source rather than speaking with someone in-person on going somewhere site-specific. Of course, there are so many exceptions. Some experiences cannot be duplicated. Google announced last year that they were starting a new project that basically incorporates the idea of “street-view” inside museums. I love the concept but there is no way a screen can possibly replicate the same sensation of viewing Monet’s Water Lilies in person. It is a great reference tool and wonderful way to look at museums in places people don’t have immediate access to. Overall, the importance of physical presence is being lost but will never be entirely forgotten because so many scenarios cannot be duplicated even with advanced technology.

http://www.googleartproject.com/