Journey without maps

Unsettling Curatorship in Cross-Cultural Contexts

Bibliographic Data

ID4885881
AuthorsLisa Chandler (0000-0002-4506-5938, corresponding author)
Year2015
Volume7
Issue2
Pages74-91
Publication date2015-04-15
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueMuseum and Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1479-8360 • E-ISSN: 1479-8360
PublisherUniversity of Leicester (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.29311/mas.v7i2.134
OpenAlexW2147208875
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited11

Over the past twenty to thirty years, many art museums have sought to incorporate a more inclusive approach in the development and presentation of exhibitions. This has led to the adoption of more varied curatorial practices as institutions have increasingly acknowledged the perspectives of some of the differing cultures they claim to represent. As a result, many curators have been striving for greater plurality in the presentation of particular exhibitions. While there are various examples in museum literature of projects seeking to incorporate diversity, dialogue and difference there is less overt discussion of the disjunction between these ideals and their practical application. This paper seeks to draw attention to this disparity by examining the evolving curatorial philosophy and practices employed by the Queensland Art Gallery in mediating cultural exchange at the first three Asia-Pacific Triennials of Contemporary Art. It will be argued that there is a need to rethink expectations of curatorial coherence and closure if pluralism is to be genuinely incorporated into the development and presentation of exhibitions. Although this can entail a loss of curatorial control, the inclusion of multiple voices and diverse perspectives can create edgy exhibitions which unsettle expected ways of seeing

Sociology · Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation · Digital and Traditional Archives Management · History · Museums and Cultural Heritage

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