THE MUSÉE DU QUAI BRANLY AND ITS EXHIBITIONS: “ETNOGRAPHIC OBJECTS”, “PRIMITIVE ART” AND CURATORIAL PROPOSALS

Abstract

<doi>10.12957/tecap.2014.16239

The article approaches some exhibitions from the Quai Branly Museum, in Paris, an “Ethnographic Art” museum, surrounded by several controversies since its creation. Assuming that objects categorization is culturally constructed, the present vision of this institution’s collection is related to two historical contexts: the history of Anthropology and European ethnographic museums; and the appreciation of “Primitive Art” by European avant-garde artists. The analysis of different curatorial proposals for exhibitions, both temporary and permanent, points to the importance of contextualization in ways of displaying objects. Through the aesthetics of display meaning over objects is constructed, and the visitor’s relation with such objects, the exhibition itself and the cultures presented is established.