Gathering Dust

Publication about nostalgic physical media, exploring the elements of these mediums. Physical media, while outdated, are widely nostalgic mediums for many of us, having grown up with piles of DVDs, folders of CDs, and collections of game console disks adorning our homes. Technological advancements have digitised our access to all forms of media, making it convenient and seemingly cheaper. This drove out physical media in an increasingly digital age as a redundant form in comparison. Recently, however, there has been a shift towards the simplicity of physical media and its tech as the overstimulation and illusion of easy ‘ownership’ of digital media becomes disputed. ‘Gathering Dust’ is an ode to physical media and the nostalgic value we tie to it. This publication deep dives into my collection of physical media from childhood, reminiscing about the memories attached to them. It explores the revival, emulation, origins, and tactility of physical media through research, photography, printmaking, and many trips down memory lane. As someone who feels nostalgia deeply, I wanted to create a book that evokes a similar feeling to one I get when reminiscing about my childhood. ‘Gathering Dust’ aims to spark readers with their own memories attached to physical media from their childhoods, reflecting on the past with a fond appreciation for what each of us grew up with. Whether it’s from just one medium or all, we all have memories anchored to physical media–because of this, it will never truly die out.