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Ways of Seeing
The last couple of weeks we have seen an interesting discussion and maybe personal tragedy unfold itself in Norway. The case involved the Norwegian Minister of Justice, his closest family, a small, independent theatre and two artists. Several of the involved people were investigated by the police, and the Norwegian Prime Minister announced her personal opinion in public early on.
Museums in the changing world order: a question of ethics
The Art Newspaper is publishing a new series about museums in the changing world order. The first part is about increased public critical observation of museum boards in the age of social media. Museums have lately, especially in New York, been under pressure from activists reinforced by social media protests to publicize their cases. The writer discusses the role of the museums in the question of ethics; about the actual and potential board members and financial contributors’ moral behavior.
Museums in the changing world order: a question of ethics
It is an incontrovertible fact, and hardly a revelatory observation, that we are in a period of rapid and accelerating change.
Do historical objects belong to their country of origin?
Most of all of the global artifacts are held in the West’s museums and galleries. The question is: do the historical objects belong in their country of origin. Four historians discuss whether the objects should be returned to the place of origin as a reparation process for the countries that has been victims for European colonialism and imperialism, or stay where they are, where they are culturally and socially beneficial. What is best for the historical objects, and the society?
Do historical objects belong in their country of origin?
Tiffany Jenkins, author of Keeping Their Marbles: How the Treasures of the Past Ended Up in Museums – and Why They Should Stay There (Oxford, 2016) When, 3,000 years ago, sculptors in the Assyrian Empire chiselled into being winged, human-headed bulls for King Ashurnasirpal II, they could not have dreamt that their creations would end up centuries later in museums thousands of miles away.
The Life Stories of Brazilians are Immortalised in the World Arctic Archive
The following information has been released by The Museu da Pessoa, and we spread it with permission of the professionals involved. This is exciting reading for all who are interested in archives and/or personal narratives. (more…)
Stories from the web 1
Disgust vs. Delight: Why Do Certain Foods Turn You Off?
“I want people to question what they find disgusting,” said the lead curator and chief financier of the Disgusting Food Museum, a touring pop-up exhibition in Malmo, Sweden. MALMO, Sweden – The idea that anything labeled “food” can be described as “disgusting” is a minefield, running up against cultural tastes and personal preferences, not to mention the shrinking ability of some countries to feed all their people.
In censoring a ‘Queer Museum,’ Brazil edges closer to authoritarianism
An art show has become Brazil’s latest political battleground. For those who didn’t get to see the 270 LGBTQ-themed works that comprise ” Queer Museum,” good luck: You may never see them. The exhibition, until recently on display at the Santander Cultural Center in Porto Alegre, was abruptly closed on September 10, fully one month early.
Can Museums Be Neutral?
A few months ago, Mike Murawski, in partnership with LaTanya Autry of the Mississippi Museum of Art and The Empathetic Museum, created t-shirts to support a “Museums are not Neutral” campaign. Murawski wrote, “Museums have the potential to be relevant, socially-engaged spaces in our communities.
A Museum Of Confederate Statues — And How It Could Help End The American Civil War
Across America, bronze rebels are falling. Confederate monuments have come down in New Orleans, Louisiana, Baltimore, Maryland, Durham, North Carolina, Austin, Texas and even Hollywood, California. And over the coming weeks, this list will almost certainly grow.
Lectures from the “You shall be heard!?”-conference now avaliable online
All lectures from the first day of the conference are now avaliable. Watch videos from the lectures of Bernadette Lynch, Heledd Fychan, Piotr Majewski, Taja Vovk van Gaal and the other speakers.
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Museumproffessionals sharing experience on working with poverty
Three museums in Norway have highlighted a particular issue – POVERTY – and summed up their experiences in this short movie. How can museums be an active force in society? Can we highlight issues themes that are largely unseen in society? If we allow those affected to speak out, the message will be more personal – and often more powerful.