Technological Timeline Committee
keywords : Technologies
A typology and classification of technological objects and concepts must accompany the development of cataloguing structures for the works. Such a typology will be an innovative and invaluable instrument in understanding the contribution technology has made to the works in terms of both their structuring and functionality. It will also play a key role in the conservation of works featuring technological components. This typology should be designed to reflect the many levels in describing technological artifacts. Thus, for example, a Sinclair Spectrum 16K computer is:
a) a commercial product bearing a trademark;
b) one of a number of examples of popular technological architecture (the 16K processor); and
c) an example of the state of development of a given technological category (the personal computer) at a specific moment in history.
The relationships between the works themselves and the technologies of various eras must also be described in order to establish a historical directory.
A historical directory of technologies or a time-dependent table will promote an understanding of the role technology has played in the works of art and the development of artistic practices using technology.