Sunday August 11th – ”The Ethics of Antiquities” with Suzie Gallagher
As far back as I can remember, walking into one of the world’s large museums has felt like entering a sacred space. Museums were a special place to go, and a boon to society. Museums were revered and respected institutions that bring art, education and culture to the public, to the “everyman,” and as charitable organizations, were somewhat above scrutiny. Recently, however, this appears to be changing. For many of the world’s largest and most respected museums, public pressure and scrutiny has been mounting as people begin to question how they amassed their collections — Grave robbing? Wartime (or colonial) plunder? Turning a blind eye to provenance? Working with unscrupulous curators, art dealers, or even donors? — and who the rightful owners of these artworks should be.
Among the questions that arise when contemplating this issue:
Should artworks of questionable provenance be returned to their nations of origin?
Is the greater good to leave them where they are, to be enjoyed by the multitudes, rather than sending them back?
If an artwork would be placed at risk if it were sent back to its country of origin, should it still be done? What if there is a risk of destruction or simply lack of public access?
Is this a Pandora’s box? As in: where does this leave our museums? ….many of which would be virtually empty if they repatriated every item of uncertain provenance.
If an object was acquired legally, at the time it was acquired, is it now fair to clamor for its return because attitudes have changed?
… And other questions.