Holograms: the story of a word and its cultural uses

Johnston, S. F. (2017) Holograms: the story of a word and its cultural uses. Leonardo: Art Science and Technology, 50(5), pp. 493-499. (doi: 10.1162/LEON_a_01329)

[img]
Preview
Text
102086.pdf - Accepted Version

606kB

Abstract

Holograms reached popular consciousness during the 1960s, leaving audiences alternately fascinated, bemused or inspired. Their impact was conditioned by earlier cultural associations and successive re-imaginings by wider publics. Attaining their peak of public visibility during the 1980s, holograms more recently have been found in our pockets (as identity documents) and in our minds (as video gaming fantasies and “faux hologram” performers) than in front of our eyes. The most enduring popular understandings of the word evoke the traditional appeals of magic and galvanize hopeful technological dreams. This paper explores the mutating cultural uses of the term “hologram” as markers of magic, modernity and optimism.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Johnston, Professor Sean
Authors: Johnston, S. F.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social & Environmental Sustainability
Journal Name:Leonardo: Art Science and Technology
Publisher:MIT Press
ISSN:0024-094X
ISSN (Online):1530-9282
Published Online:11 July 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 MIT Press
First Published:First published in Leonardo 50(5): 493-499
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record

Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
658511Holograms: A Cultural HistorySean JohnstonThe Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland (CARNEGIE)31542IS - INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES