Materiality is probably the most important aspect of art. An artist chooses what medium/media they prefer to work with and from there comes a beautiful work of art. Just like humans, art has life. In this life, the artwork goes through various changes as it gets old. This allows for viewers to see the artworks progression and some of the properties these materials possess.

Concepts: Matter, Chemical and Physical Changes, Periodic Table

Artwork gets repaired, restored, and renewed by art conservators. Their jobs require much science and technology in order for them to handle artwork carefully during preservation. This requires the conservator to know much about chemistry and matter so they make sure not to ruin a precious work.

Concepts: Art Conservation

Discussion:

• What materials were used to create the work? What are characteristics of these materials?
• What is the function of the material in this work? Why did the artist choose the materials they used? Why not another material?
• How has the material changed over time? Why have these changes occurred? Are they chemical or physical changes?
• Does the material have a cultural significance?
• What phases did the art have to go through to become its final form? Was it always solid?  

Resources:

What's Matter? - Crash Course Kids #3.1

How It's Made Bronze Sculpture

Forging a Katana ( Japanese Samurai Sword )

Making Greek Vases

The Alchemy of Color and Chemical Change in Medieval Manuscripts

Wood, Water, and Properties: Crash Course Kids #15.1

Material World: Crash Course Kids #40.1

Matter: Definitions & the Five States of Matter