Introduction: Me, Myself, and My Dissertation

Hello, peers!

My name is Myat, and I'm a Ph.D. candidate in Art History. My dissertation focuses on natural and artificial caves/cave-like spaces in elite ancient Roman villas that were built or in use between the second century BCE and the second century CE. I contextualize how the art, architecture, and hydraulic amenities in these natural and artificial caves and in the villa proper shape the sensory and lived experiences of villa owners and their guests. I also create 3D digital models to reconstruct and interpret the visual and auditory experiences in these caves that vary depending on the time of day or year. Here is an example of one of my case studies, which is a natural cave modified to look more "cave-like" with concrete:

Grotto at the Villa of Tiberius in Sperlonga

My plants say hi!

I'm a cat person and a plant enthusiast, who can't go a day without caffeine in her system. I love traveling, reading, creative writing, cooking, and listening to podcasts. I prefer forests to oceans, rain to sunshine, and cities to countrysides. I enjoy solitude, but I also delight myself in having conversations with people and hearing about their journey through life.

Thanks for stopping by my blog, and I hope I get to know some of you a little more too!