Journal article
‘Journey without maps’: unsettling curatorship in cross-cultural contexts
Museum & Society, Vol.7(2), pp.74-91
2009
Abstract
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.
Details
- Title
- ‘Journey without maps’: unsettling curatorship in cross-cultural contexts
- Authors
- Lisa Chandler (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Publication details
- Museum & Society, Vol.7(2), pp.74-91
- Publisher
- University of Leicester, Department of Museum Studies
- Date published
- 2009
- ISSN
- 1479-8360; 1479-8360
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2009 Lisa Chandler. Reproduced here with kind permission of the author.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Business and Creative Industries; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Creative Industries - Legacy; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449782102621
- Output Type
- Journal article
- Research Statement
- false
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