SENSIS: A Multisensory Journey Through Art and Materiality
From May 22–24, 2025, our team member Theresa Zischkin participated in the conference SENSIS – Senses in Islamic Art and Culture: Interdisciplinary Approaches in Utrecht, hosted by Dr. Christian Lange and Dr. Suzanne Compagnon. The event was held at the Centraal Museum and Universiteitsmuseum in Utrecht and brought together scholars from around the world to explore sensory experiences in Islamic art and material culture from a variety of disciplinary perspectives.
Theresa arrived in Utrecht the day before the conference, giving her the chance to wander through the atmospheric streets of the old city. She spent the afternoon exploring the areas around the Oude Gracht and Nieuwe Gracht, where she encountered ceramic artists shaping modern sculptures from clay along the canal, perfectly capturing the spirit of artistic experimentation. Later, she visited the Catherijne Cathedral and the adjacent convent museum, where she was especially struck by the stunning medieval codices and expressive devotional sculptures on view.
The first official day of the conference opened with a panel on the arts of the book and sensory knowledge, in which Theresa presented research related to the ERC project and her PhD. Her talk focused on decorated paper in the Gulshan Album and how the modular use of different types of coloured paper formed a sensory landscape that extended beyond the visual into the tactile and even conceptual. The Gulshan Album was also referenced in other talks, leading to stimulating exchanges about its material complexity and cultural significance.
The rest of the day featured a series of compelling presentations exploring the role of the senses in artistic production, religious experience, and the materiality of objects across the early modern Islamic world. In the evening, the conference dinner provided a welcome opportunity to continue discussions in a more informal setting, building connections across fields and institutions.
Day two of SENSIS continued with equally engaging contributions, many of which delved into religious themes and devotional contexts. The final panel brought together Dr. Ashley Dimmig and Dr. Stefan Weber for a dialogue on curating the senses in museum settings. Their presentations highlighted innovative strategies for activating multisensory engagement in exhibitions, offering valuable perspectives for curatorial practice.
Following the traditional Dutch borrel of drinks and snacks, some participants gathered for further informal conversations, exchanging reflections and winding down after two intellectually rich days.
The SENSIS conference offered a unique and inspiring platform to reflect on the materiality and sensory dimensions of decorated paper. Theresa returned with many new insights and ideas for integrating these themes more deeply into her research on the Gulshan Album and beyond. She extends her heartfelt thanks to the organizers for their warm hospitality and the excellent program they put together.