Another recent conversation
in class that sparked my interest had to do with comparing zoos and aquariums
with art museums. The discussion
centered around the idea that, in reality, zoos have very little educational
value. Most people pass through zoos
simply looking for amusement, and really learn next to nothing. Beyond that, it can even be argued that if
people learn anything, it has to do with developing a corrupted sense of
humankind’s relationship to the natural world.
The description of people wandering from exhibit to
exhibit without much thought prompted a comparison to art museums. It was then asked whether it could be argued
that art museums similarly have no educational or cultural value. Although I think it is an interesting
question, I do not think it is a fair comparison. Zoos and art museums are different in
significant ways, particularly as it concerns the purpose of that which is
being exhibited.
There is sense of injustice associated with zoos because
wild animals are being placed on display for the amusement (or supposedly the
education) of humans. These animals have
been removed from their natural environments, and deprived of the freedom to
live their lives in a manner that is natural to them. The purpose of a living thing is certainly
not to be locked in a cage for the entertainment of others.
However, the manner in which museums place art on display
for public viewing is very much in line with the purpose of the art
itself. Arguably (at least for most
artists), exhibition is a major motivating factor for the creation of art in the
first place. Paintings, for example, are
meant to be hung on walls, observed,
experienced, and interpreted by others.
If one takes issue with the overly formal and/or saturated environment,
those are, perhaps, fair criticisms.
However, it goes too far to suggest that displaying art for public
viewing in such a manner has no educational or cultural value. What one takes away from such an experience
is certainly dependent on the individual.
But there is surely no harm being done, and the net outcome could only
be assessed as positive.
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