The Object Itself

Albany Institute of History & Art
  • 5.0 (3)
  • VISUAL ARTS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

The Object Itself is a podcast brought to you by the Albany Institute of History & Art. In each episode, we invite a guest to select one object from our collection or from an exhibition—an object that speaks to them in a unique way. With over 35,000 objects in Albany Institute's permanent collection and over one million items in special collections, each piece holds a story, a link to our past, a message for the future. Join us as we take the time to look closer and appreciate The Object Itself. albanyinstitute.substack.com

Episodes

  1. 12/12/2025

    Clifford Oliver

    Guest: Clifford Oliver  Featured artwork: American Gothic, Gordon Parks (1912–2006), 1942, gelatin silver print, 24 in x 20 in.  See American Gothic and photographs by Clifford Oliver on view at the Albany Institute in the exhibition For Liberation and For Life: The Legacy of Black DImensions in Art, through December 31, 2025: https://www.albanyinstitute.org/exhibition/for-liberation-and-for-life-the-legacy-of-black-dimensions-in-art   View Clifford Oliver’s work at cliffordoliver.zenfolio.com @cliffordoliver9613  Subscribe to The Object Itself on Substack, Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit albanyinstitute.substack.com

    28 min

  2. 09/09/2025

    Serdar Arat

    Guest: Serdar Arat Featured object: Red Fields, East of Madrid, Richard Callner (1927–2007), 1988, watercolor and gouache on paper. Albany Institute of History & Art Purchase, 1988.23.1. View the object on our online collections database: www.albanyinstitute.org/collection/details/red-fields-east-of-madrid View Serdar Arat’s artwork, essays, and more: www.serdararat.com Subscribe to The Object Itself on Substack, Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit albanyinstitute.substack.com

    30 min

  3. 05/02/2025

    Diane Shewchuk

    Guest: Diane Shewchuk Featured object: Tulip Queen Crown, designed by Hajo Christoph, created by George Righthand, 1949, brass, copper, rabbit fur and ermine tail. AIHA, gift of Katherine G. Herrick, (Mrs. D) Cady, 1985.2.1. View the object on our online collections database: https://www.albanyinstitute.org/collection/details/tulip-queen-crown Tulips for Albany was on view at the Albany Institute of History & Art from May 3 to September 22, 2023. Visit the exhibition page on our website here: https://www.albanyinstitute.org/exhibition/tulips-for-albany Subscribe to The Object Itself on Substack, Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit albanyinstitute.substack.com

    19 min

  4. 03/27/2025

    Richard Garrison

    Guest: Richard Garrison Featured objects: Sixteen Parking Lot Color Schemes, Richard Garrison, 2001, watercolor, gouache, ink, graphite, and collage on paper. Albany Institute of History & Art Purchase, 2002.27 Ruined Tower (Mediterranean Coast Scene with Tower), Thomas Cole (1801–1848), 1832–1836, oil on composition board. Albany Institute of History & Art Purchase, 1965.1 See this painting by Cole currently on view in The Hudson River School: Landscape Paintings from the Albany Institute, an ongoing exhibition, or explore the virtual exhibition here: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=TshczNtq49p See work by Richard Garrison in the exhibition Repeat Play: The Art of Pattern, organized by Opalka Gallery at the Albany Public Library Pine Hills branch through May 10. Subscribe to The Object Itself on Substack, Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit albanyinstitute.substack.com

    22 min

  5. 03/10/2025

    Anthony Opalka

    Guest: Anthony Opalka Featured object: Fire buckets, Albany Institute of History & Art, 1919.4.44(c) The Firehouses of Albany, by Anthony Opalka, is available to purchase at the Albany Firefighters Museum at 384 Broadway, Albany, NY. Visit www.albanyfirefightersmuseum.org for more information. You can also find the book on Amazon. The book talk and signing with Anthony Opalka, presented by Historic Albany Foundation and hosted at the Albany Institute of History & Art, on March 12 is sold out. Please visit the event page on the Albany Institute’s website for a list of additional talks on The Firehouses of Albany. Subscribe to The Object Itself on Substack, Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit albanyinstitute.substack.com

    28 min

  6. 02/12/2025

    Doug Cohn

    Guest: Doug Cohn Featured object: Mummified Dog, Egyptian, Roman Period, ca. 30 BC–AD 395, linen, pigment, and organic remains. 12 ¼ H x 3 ¼ W x 4 Diam. Albany Institute of History & Art Purchase, 1958.7.4. View the work in Albany Institute’s online collections database: https://www.albanyinstitute.org/collection/details/mummified-dog Mummified Dog, in addition to the Albany mummies and many Egyptian objects from antiquity, are on view in Albany Institute’s galleries as part of a long-term exhibition. Visit Albany Institute’s website for more information: https://www.albanyinstitute.org/exhibition/ancient-egypt Subscribe to The Object Itself on Substack, Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit albanyinstitute.substack.com

    19 min

  7. 01/23/2025

    Salley Mavor

    Guest: Salley Mavor Featured object: Self-Portrait: A Personal History of Fashion, Salley Mavor, mixed media, 2007. Image courtesy of the artist. Enchanting Threads: The Art of Salley Mavor on view at the Albany Institute of History & Art July 27, 2024–March 2, 2025. For more information about the exhibition, visit www.albanyinstitute.org/exhibition/enchanting-threads-the-art-of-salley-mavor Salley Mavor’s blog, Wee Folk Studio: https://weefolkstudio.com/ Self Portrait: A Personal History of Fashion set to music on Salley Mavor’s blog: https://weefolkstudio.com/2017/11/19/personal-history-of-fashion-set-to-music/ Subscribe to The Object Itself on Substack, Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit albanyinstitute.substack.com

    21 min

  8. 01/08/2025

    Introducing: The Object Itself

    The Object Itself is a podcast presented by the Albany Institute of History & Art. With over 35,000 works in the museum's permanent collection and over one million items in special collections, each piece holds a story, a link to our past, a message for the future. In each episode, we invite a guest to select one object from our collection or from an exhibition—an object that speaks to them in a unique way. We’ll delve into the rich histories and personal reflections that our guests bring to the table, revealing how these objects continue to inspire and connect us across time. Join us as we take the time to look closer and appreciate The Object Itself. Cover art: Loving Cup, Whiting Manufacturing Company, New York City; retailed by Bailey & Co., Philadelphia, PA, 1876, silver. AIHA, gift of Mrs. William R. Hills, 1916.2.1. See the work in Albany Institute's online collections database. For current exhibitions, upcoming events, and to plan your visit, go to albanyinstitute.org. #AlbanyInstitute #TheObjectItselfPod This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit albanyinstitute.substack.com

    2 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Object Itself is a podcast brought to you by the Albany Institute of History & Art. In each episode, we invite a guest to select one object from our collection or from an exhibition—an object that speaks to them in a unique way. With over 35,000 objects in Albany Institute's permanent collection and over one million items in special collections, each piece holds a story, a link to our past, a message for the future. Join us as we take the time to look closer and appreciate The Object Itself. albanyinstitute.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Albany Institute of History & Art
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Albany Institute
  • Show Website
    The Object Itself