Perception

The Arts in Society Research Network: a conference and journal collection founded in 2000, exploring innovative theories, practices, and critical analyses of the arts. The 15th International Conference on the Arts in Society 2020 will be held in Galway, Ireland on 24-26 June 2020.

Since ancient times, mirrors have been viewed as place where the dual worlds of soul and self merge. In ancient Mexico, polished obsidian mirrors were viewed as magical portals through which sorcerers traveled to reach the world of the gods. The fictitious mirror of 18th-century author, Oliver Goldsmith, revealed the inner workings of the mind rather than the surface. In the 21st century, our reflections may obscure rather than uncover the truths we once searched for. Through technology, we can recreate ourselves and the world around us.