Reflections on Visual and Material Culture: An Example from Southwest Chicago

Abstract

Although several art educators have called our attention to the importance of studying visual culture, others have widened the discussion to include material culture and its effects on our lives. Because of growing concern for the value of exploring the personal and social functions of visual and material culture, the purpose of this article is to reflect on the impact of the objects that I encountered personally during my formative years. My stories told here will exemplify topics and methods that teachers and students can use to learn about the significance of their visual and material cultures.