"Human Zoo" part Too????
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Norway to Re-Create Exhibit of Africans in Human Zoo During National Gala
As part of mammoth celebrations of the 200th anniversary of Norway’s constitution, the government there is funding two artists to re-enact a human zoo that will open to the public on May 15.
Oslo’s original human zoo or “Kongolandsbyen” was central to Norway’s World Fair in 1914. The artists claim that the project, which they named ‘European Attraction Limited‘, is meant to provoke a discussion on colonialism and racism in a post-modern world, engaging with Norway’s racist past in the process.
Some anti-racism organizations and commentators have labeled the project offensive and racist. ThisisAfrica.com asks, is there any artistic value in the re-enactment of such a dehumanizing spectacle, especially in a world not yet fully healed of racism? Is this an abuse of art? Won’t the re-enactment reverse the modest gains of the equality struggles, especially in a world that superficially engages the subject of race?
Norway’s 1914 human zoo is not a widely known historical event in the country, or the world. But, for five months, 80 people of African origin (Senegalese) lived in “the Congo village” in Oslo, surrounded by “indigenous African artifacts.”
http://atlantablackstar.com/2014/04/28/norway-exhibit-africans-human-zoo-avoids-dealing-current-day-racism/
As part of mammoth celebrations of the 200th anniversary of Norway’s constitution, the government there is funding two artists to re-enact a human zoo that will open to the public on May 15.
Oslo’s original human zoo or “Kongolandsbyen” was central to Norway’s World Fair in 1914. The artists claim that the project, which they named ‘European Attraction Limited‘, is meant to provoke a discussion on colonialism and racism in a post-modern world, engaging with Norway’s racist past in the process.
Some anti-racism organizations and commentators have labeled the project offensive and racist. ThisisAfrica.com asks, is there any artistic value in the re-enactment of such a dehumanizing spectacle, especially in a world not yet fully healed of racism? Is this an abuse of art? Won’t the re-enactment reverse the modest gains of the equality struggles, especially in a world that superficially engages the subject of race?
Norway’s 1914 human zoo is not a widely known historical event in the country, or the world. But, for five months, 80 people of African origin (Senegalese) lived in “the Congo village” in Oslo, surrounded by “indigenous African artifacts.”
http://atlantablackstar.com/2014/04/28/norway-exhibit-africans-human-zoo-avoids-dealing-current-day-racism/
Comments
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Opportunity for those interested to learn something.
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They should re enact the hangings with the mfs who thought this was a good idea..
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They sure it's not to relive their "glory days"? SMh i'll see where this goes.
