Material Selves Object Biographies and Identities in Motion

"Material Selves: Object Biographies and Identities in Motion" by Alex Burchmore explores the profound and intricate connections between individuals and the objects that populate their lives. This interdisciplinary volume delves into how cultural artifacts, from Persian robes of honor to 20th-century still-life paintings, actively participate in the construction, creation, and performance of human identity across diverse historical and cultural landscapes.

The book examines vital questions of cultural identity, belonging, and selfhood by tracing the dynamic biographies of objects. Through a global array of case studies and innovative methodologies, it reveals how we utilize things to craft narratives, build myths, and understand our place in the world. This work offers fresh perspectives on the relationship between people and their material environments, inviting readers to reconsider the stories objects tell and the ways they shape who we are.