Touchable Objects

The National Museum of Mexican Art, in Chicago, not only has a great collection of Alebrijes and depictions of La Catrina, but has touchable versions as well as those behind glass. A great example of how when working with living and contemporary artists, when creating new experiences, there is ample opportunity to cost-effectively make artifacts and objects that can be explored through touch as well as sight. Multimodal interaction increases opportunities for inclusive accessibility, and deeper engagement among all audiences.

A colorful and eclectic collection of item. At the center, there is a whimsical creature with a turquoise textured body, large orange eyes with black pupils, and red accents around the eyes. It has a bright red mouth, long white tusks, and a pair of antlers. The creature's neck is adorned with yellow and red striped patterns, and it has multiple limbs in various colors, including yellow, red, and pink, with some resembling tentacles. To the left, there is a purple arm-like object with a hand at the end, featuring a lace cuff at the wrist and a floral pattern with a gem in the center on the upper part of the arm. Below, there is a rectangular object with a shiny, reflective surface, decorated with colorful gem-like structures in patterns of red, blue, green, and yellow, with silver accents. To the right, there is another arm-like object with a hand, similar to the one on the left, but this one is holding a white mask with a lace trim. The background is nondescript, and there is a partial view of a person wearing a black top. The items are placed on a black surface, possibly a table. — A selection of touch objects at National Museum of Mexican Art.

The picture shows a colorful figurine of a skeleton dressed in a festive outfit. The skeleton has a wide, toothy grin and large eye sockets, typical of a Day of the Dead decoration. It is wearing a purple hat adorned with a pink flower and a white lace veil that drapes over the back of the skull. The figure is also draped in a purple shawl with fluffy, dark purple feather trim. It is holding up a fan in its right hand, which is also decorated with a skeletal design. The background features a red informational panel with text, and there is a partial view of a person standing to the left. The floor is wooden. — A selection of touch objects at National Museum of Mexican Art.