This thesis researches how multi-sensory design techniques, such as touchable replicas, scent and soundscapes, influence the perception and reception of art in the museum. To create a more limited...Show moreThis thesis researches how multi-sensory design techniques, such as touchable replicas, scent and soundscapes, influence the perception and reception of art in the museum. To create a more limited scope, the new permanent collection display Dwarsverbanden in the Van Abbemuseum in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, is used as a case study. The interest in the use of multiple senses has been a point of discussion over the last decade, or so. However, not many Dutch exhibitions or institutions have been discussed in this field. Furthermore, the focus of these resources is never on the educational and experiential aspects of a museum visit. This thesis is divided into three topics: the material, the invisible and the experience. The material focuses on the perception of the objects themselves and their reproductions, therefore the sense of touch is the centre of discussion. The invisible focuses on the communication of the more abstract senses smelling and hearing. The experience aims to research the influence of multi-sensory design techniques on the educational value and how a visitor's attention is divided in the museum context. This research shows that the multi-sensory design tools used in this exhibition are translations of the two-dimensional artwork, which can be used as an aid. The senses each have a different approach to interpreting the artwork and evoke a different response. The use of a replica can gain a different perspective and open a sensory world, normally not present in the museum. The senses of smell and hearing communicate meaning and emotion and connect the visitor to the artwork. Research on visitor experience shows that multi-sensory design tools create an active student and fight boredom.Show less
Jonathan Edwards’ “Personal Narrative” is a chronological, retrospective account of Edwards’ spiritual life interposed with comments and reflections on his experiences with the Divine. He describes...Show moreJonathan Edwards’ “Personal Narrative” is a chronological, retrospective account of Edwards’ spiritual life interposed with comments and reflections on his experiences with the Divine. He describes multiple powerful, highly emotional encounters as he recounts his religious development from his childhood to the present. It stands as a central text of eighteenth-century spirituality, a touchstone of religious thinking in this period. This thesis argues that concerns with the fallibility of language are central to Jonathan Edwards’ “Personal Narrative” (c.1740), as he struggles adequately to describe spiritual experience in words even as that experience is said to go beyond language, including in its emotional and bodily effects.Show less
This study analyzes the experience of Daoism in the Netherlands among practitioners of three body practices: taijiquan, qigong and Healing Tao. It describes how this ancient Chinese tradition has...Show moreThis study analyzes the experience of Daoism in the Netherlands among practitioners of three body practices: taijiquan, qigong and Healing Tao. It describes how this ancient Chinese tradition has found its place in the daily life of practitioners of three “Daoist” body practices and how the practitioners experience Daoism. Through analyzing qualitative interviews with teachers and students practicing taijiquan, qigong and Healing Tao, this thesis shows that Daoism in the Netherlands is mostly experienced as a practical guideline and serves as the basis for these body practices. For a significant number of practitioners, Daoism is applicable everywhere and gives meaning to life. It explains the world around the practitioners without requiring a strong “belief” in anything. Some practitioners connect Daoism and their body practice to its Chinese origin, whereas others believe the underlying principles are the most important. Through this analyzation, it becomes clear that Daoism is experienced stronger in the Netherlands than was expected prior to this research.Show less
