Expanding Internationalism - A Conference on ... - Mary Jane Jacob

labels "Brazilian" or "Flemish." Others were concerned about monolithic
notions of what constitutes "authentic" art from a particular country and
the concomitant stereo-typing of that art. It was felt by some that given
the diversity of cultures within countries, it is impossible to speak, for
example, of American or Yugoslavian art in an all--encompassing way.
New Models
Surely some of the most lively parts of the discussion, both throughout
the day and at day's end centered on new models for addressing
multiculturalism in particular and international exhibitions in general.
Mbst participants felt that existing models could benefit from some new
approaches and alternatives. Key among the recommendations were the
following: (1) ongoing dialogue to keep avenues of communication broad and
open through forums like this conference; (2) rE;ciprocity and exchange to
break the cycle of Western dominance and allow for both the "import" and
"export" of exhibitions and ideas; (3) thematic exhibitions to allow
artists of different nations to participate outside of the national model;
(4) multiple perspectives to move beyond the notions of the mainstream and
the margin and other dichotomous ideas to new critical language that
embraces parallel cultures and multiple streams.
It is perhaps fitting to end this surrrnary with the analogy of our
colleague from Thailand whose thoughts in symbol and in substance
characterize the goodwill and optimism that were hallmarks of the day.
He
spoke of a garden with many flowers, in many colors and forms, of
diversity in harmony, with each flower being allowed to blossom.
His
artful imagery left us with a vision of an expanded internationalism that
is both a challenge and an inspiration.
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