The phrase "material presence" refers to physically being in a particular place or having a physical form that can be seen, touched, or sensed. Full definition
But the persistent material presence of traditional sculptures is lacking here. (afmuseet.no)
Since 2007 he has also been working with photographic transparencies mounted in light boxes, drawing on the medium's elusive material presence as a means to explore representation. (hammer.ucla.edu)
Rachel Whiteread's sculptures solidify space; these particular casts have a strongly material presence. (christies.com)