From the Secret Diaries of American Artists to Digital Diary Keeping

On September 26, The Smithsonian opened a new exhibit in the Archives' Fleishman Gallery showcasing how artists documented their lives before life in the digital age.  Three artists have their complete diary collections on display in the exhibit as well as 35 other opened diaries from various artists.  The contents vary from elaborate illustrations to incredible personal stories that were contained under lock and key.  Katharine Lane Weems, a famous American animal sculptor, had all 54 of her diaries locked, which a curator had to pick open with a paperclip!  Here are two pictures posted by the Smithsonian from the exhibit:

Janice Lowry wrote an entry about September 11 in her diary on display at the Smithsonian

"F. Luis Mora kept pocket diaries barely larger than a matchbook."

Despite the shift towards documentation through social media, diary keeping is still popular today. The most recent work in the exhibit is a video installation by Joe Hollier, a graphic designer and illustrator, created this year.  Hollier thought that traditional journal keeping was boring and felt forced.  He felt it was easier to express himself in a more digital setting.  With a graphic design background, I can see why digital diary keeping may be more practical for him.  Regardless of the format, the content in diaries has not changed much over time.  From personal information to daily activities, people still disclose this information through new forms of diary keeping.   

The idea of privacy is shifting, too.  I've always considered my diary to be a personal, sacred book that only I should have access to.  Tumblr and Facebook are just two ways people are putting their personal feelings and opinions out for the world to see.  Deputy Director Liza Kirwin states that in a way, diaries are being kept now more than ever with these new forms available.  Before reading this article, I never thought of social media outlets being considered a form of diary keeping.  When I compare what I write in my diary to those who post on social media, I do see a similarity in topics and issues discussed.