The Renaissance of Material Media

We are excited to announce the release of the new issue of Blending! This Fall, with a renewed focus on material media, we set out to create an issue that reflects both academic inquiry and creative exploration. Developed within a semester dedicated to The Renaissance of Material Media in Film, Photography, and Beyond, this edition brings together diverse voices and perspectives shaped through dialogue with students, faculty, and engaged readers. Over an intensive 11-week semester, the magazine took form step by step. The early weeks were dedicated to defining the publication’s concept, theme, and editorial vision. From there, students moved into research, brainstorming, writing, interviewing, and rigorous proofreading, preparing each piece for publication. As the content matured, photography and graphic design teams collaborated closely with writers, translating ideas into a strong visual and narrative identity. What began as individual contributions evolved into a cohesive and intentional issue. Connected to The American University of Florence’s 14th Annual Academic Conference, this issue maintains a strong thematic focus on the resurgence of material media. Rather than constraining creativity, the theme encouraged experimentation, critical thinking, and personal engagement. Each section is designed to flow naturally into the next, building a dynamic and engaging reading experience.