Inequivalent Exchange Opening Reception

Opening Reception | May 15, 5:00 - 8:00 PM 

On display | May 15 - June 6

250 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, how has museum practice in the United States evolved? In the early 19th Century, as American Museums were established, imperialism and exploitation of historic objects was prevalent. The monetary incentive to display global relics led to the hasty excavation of art and antiquities, often through coercion, looting, and manipulative power imbalances. 

The showcasing of art often reflects ever-changing worldviews. Places like museums and galleries, once meant for the upper class to view unique acquisitions, have transformed into areas where the public can enjoy beautiful objects and also ask how they got there. The Inequivalent Exchange Exhibition explores the Allis Collection by displaying a juxtaposition of early 20th century flags from the US, France, Canada, Belgium and the UK next to a 16th century Iranian hunting and prayer rug, and wood works by Julius Starke are paired with lapel pins awarded to Charles Allis. 

We invite you to contemplate themes of colonization and exploitation in museum collections as we approach the 250th anniversary of America's independence.