Art Exhibit
Learning about slavery is not completely cut and dry. We all know that what went on was disgusting and that the entire slave trade was a tragedy, but everything you need to know is not going to be contained in an art exhibit. Although the art that has been created over the years do a good job of expressing the cruelty of the slave traders and owners, the hopelessness that many slaves felt for centuries, and the joy that beamed from their faces when they received news of emancipation, the entire story can’t be told through an art exhibit, there is too much else contributing to the story. This is why when you go to a slavery museum, there is so much information available to visitors. You do not simply walk around in an art exhibit at a slavery museum, and here are some of the reasons why.
1. Read about experiences – At a slavery museum, you may get a chance to read first hand accounts of the struggle. During the centuries of slavery, there were many slaves that actually kept diaries and journals of their daily activities, their innermost feelings, and how they deal with their issues. This type of intimate detail is not something you can find while browsing through an art exhibit. This is one of the best reasons why someone should visit a slavery museum.
2. Education – When visiting a slavery museum you will find many well informed curators as well as employees that can educate you about the time period. Not only will they explain paintings and drawings in an art exhibit, but they may tell you little known interesting facts about the artists, the people depicted in the works, and the stories behind the art as well. While an art exhibit gives you a better understanding about the emotions running during this time, visiting a slavery museum will give you the background information as well.
3. Speak about issues – Although it has not been constructed yet, the United States Slavery Museum is going to have a rather unique aspect to it. Not only will they be educating the public and providing an art exhibit, they will also have the slavery museum act as a gathering place for people to discuss important and sometimes controversial issues. There is no doubt that the art exhibit is going to be a large draw for people, but hopefully people will also use the forum to open up lines of dialogue.
Visiting a slavery museum is going to be a very educational experience, no matter who you are. There are many knowledgeable people that are employed by these institutions that can teach you a lot about art and African American history in general. Also, the art exhibit will certainly have a number of beautiful paintings, drawings, sculptures and more that all visitors can look through.
