Events — Dec 15, 2024

We will discuss how texts influence visitors' experience of art and the choices museums make to safeguard visitors while preserving the artist's freedom of expression. With Guillaume Désanges (director Palais de Tokyo), Alicja Gescinska (philosopher), Emma Harjadi Herman (Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam) and TINKEBELL. (artist) 

Price
Museumticket + 3 EU
If the ticket price prevents you from being able to take part in the program, please contact publicprogram@stedelijk.nl for a spot on the guest list. Please note: contact us through e-mail before December 12.
Location
Auditorium
Time
Dec 15, 2.30 pm until 4 pm
Main language
English
Admission
Book ticket

What is the role of text, disclaimers and trigger warnings in museums? Miriam Cahn's exhibition features a painting with a controversial history. Previously, this work was shown at Palais de Tokyo in Paris, where it caused quite an uproar. Critics interpreted the image as representing pedophilia. The artist denied this and emphasized that the painting depicted the horrors of using rape as a weapon of war. A legal complaint was filed in an attempt to have the work removed from the museum, but the judge ruled that the painting could remain. According to the judge, the museum had provided sufficient context around the work and given the public adequate warning. After the ruling, an activist vandalized the work. The restored painting is now on display at the Stedelijk. But which context should the Stedelijk provide?  

This example vividly illustrates the debate around context and warnings for contentious works of art. In this program, we dig deeper into the extent to which a museum should guide, caution or warn visitors about the exhibits on display. Who decides whether a work of art can be labeled shocking or offensive? The creator, the museum, or the audience? How does a content warning affect the interpretation of the work? Do visitors need to be protected, or does the museum limit the artist's freedom by offering disclaimers? Together with various speakers, we will discuss how texts influence visitors' experience of art and the choices museums make to safeguard visitors while preserving the artist's freedom of expression. 

Biographies

Guillaume Désanges

Guillaume Désanges is a curator and art critic. In January 2022 he was named president of the Palais de Tokyo in Paris. He founded Work Method, a Paris based agency for artistic projects. He organizes international exhibitions projects and lectures.  

Alicja Gescinska

Alicja Gescinska is a Polish-Belgian writer and philosopher. She made her debut in 2011 with the award-winning book The Conquest of Freedom, an autobiographical and philosophical reflection on the meaning of freedom. With her columns and opinion pieces she is a present voice in the public debate in Flanders and the Netherlands. 

TINKEBELL

TINKEBELL. is an artist and a writer. She calls herself 'story teller and maker'. She wrote several books, works as a columnist, she makes films, does public interventions, she's a lecturer and makes art pieces on the spot but also shows her work in the space of galleries and museums. TINKEBELL. provokes by exemplifying the blind spots of modern society. She became famous by turning her own cat into a handbag. With this project she showed people their own hypocrisy about the use of animals for consumption and leather production. If anything, her works form an extreme incentive for the discussion of our morals and the way society is developing.  

Emma Harjadi Herman

Emma Harjadi Herman is the manager of education and inclusion at Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. Bringing the voices of artists and activists to a wider audience is a constant theme in her endeavours, both professional and voluntary. Prior to joining the Stedelijk, Emma worked for feminist fund Mama Cash, the Dutch and European civil service and several civil society organisations in New York, Paris, Cotonou and Brussels.

  • Alicja Gescinska, photo: Stephan Vanfleteren
  • Guillaume Desanges, photo: Isabelle Arthuis
  • Emma Harjadi Herman

About In Context

Art has always played an important role in igniting social debate. Given the rise of ultra-nationalism, xenophobia and climate crises, socially engaged art seems to be needed now more than ever. Does this mean that the museum is also a platform for protest and change? Can a museum promote social change without taking a stand itself? And to what extent should museums encourage visitors to confront and engage with social issues? Should the museum use disclaimers and trigger warnings to protect visitors, or simply let them deal with uncomfortable confrontations? 

Rather than presenting simplistic answers, this program invites us to consider the role of art in society and the museum’s responsibility in this regard. 

In Context – This Exhibition Could Hurt Your Feelings

Want to secure a spot? Book your ticket here.

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This program is the third of the three-part series In Context, about the complex relationship between art, activism and the museum. The other two programs will take place on 20 October and November 9. For more information please click here.