But in Chatsworth, I am reminded that a concern for cultural richness is not just a 20th/21st century concern, as some of the holdings remind us that Africa was "discovered" by the west hundreds of years ago. Maybe these beautiful objects can be dismissed as a kind of Orientalism. Or, maybe they are a reminder of the wide palette of ideas of "beauty" that can always exist. Anyway, I was pleased to spy these among the general opulence, and it fired some thoughts about diversity, orientalism, beauty.
you can see a better image of these at http://blackartblog.blackartdepot.com/features/african-american-monuments-statues/african-venus-said-abdullah-charles-cordier.html
I thought it was great that there were some pieces that represented some different cultures other than the main culture associated with the the estate. In truth, I was surprised that there were pieces like the ones you posted; however, it was a great surprise to see some different cultural representations. Before we entered the estate, I remember you saying that you would like to see some posts/conversations representing multicultural practices/art etc. and I really did not think I would find anything that fit that mold but I was wrong and I am glad there were pieces such as these.
ReplyDeleteThe "African Venus" is very beautiful, but I'm in love with its companion, "Said Abdullah of the Mayac, Kingdom of the Darfur". My camera didn't took good pictures of neither, though.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I think that under today's spectacle culturally diverse artwork are value as interesting and important both historically and artistically, I believe that the 17th, 18th and even 19th century perspectives were quite different. African and Asian art was considered exotic and they were valued, but as curiosities from "inferior" cultures.
Paige, I was also really pleasantly surprised by the collection at Chatsworth. During one of my many conversations with one of the knowledgeable guides, I learned that the Duke and Duchess have complete domain over what they add to the collection. This explains why some time periods have a lot of portraits, others busts, others ping pong tables. The current Duke and Duchess love pottery. All of the beautiful ceramic installations on the first floor have been acquired in the last 20 years.
ReplyDeleteI wonder which duke and duchess picked these beautiful busts.
I thought the wide smattering of art hailing from different cultures did a good job of hammering home the idea that Chatsworth seems to be a place meant to be enjoyed rather than gawked at. Unlike so many of the beautiful places we have visited during our time in England, Chatsworth is one of the only places that encourages people to enjoy the grounds and relax on the grass. I think that the addition of art from parts of the world beyond Europe serves as both a glorification of the art itself and reminds visitors that this is not just a place for the British and really anyone (with enough money) is welcome.
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