Theme and Aims

History was once expected to be as an objective knowledge. Yet since the mid-20th century, new historicism has gained more influence, and especially after French thinker Foucault reexamined historical knowledge, the previous definition of history has been challenged. It is no longer a singular lineal narrative but multiple non-lineal narratives. In the human world, dominant historical narratives often overcast marginal historical ones. Moreover, among each constructed lineal historical narrative, there are parts being covered that lead to some generations being forgotten, miswritten or even stigmatized. Coverage, a phenomenon originally deemed to exist before modern society, turns out to be possible in modern society as well and is even more likely to happen when technology becomes the tool of power. Coverage, a phenomenon initially deemed to take place only in dictatorship, appears in democratic society too, particularly when populism prevails.

Museums were once expected to be the carrier of knowledge. Ever since then, museum professionals have dedicated to the interpretation and communication of knowledge. Yet if museums don’t acknowledge the interpretation and communication of knowledge they endeavored to provide are actually the result of selection and related to certain coverage, then all the efforts become in vain or are even reduced to tools of power, especially in the field of historical knowledge. Thus, when we realize that historical knowledge was once selected and covered or even being covered at the moment, we have to reexamine what kind of perspectives and methodology museums approach historical knowledge. Moreover, the representation of histories often hides the mistakes, injustice, marginal voices or even tragedies. Thus, it awaits uncovering, and the hidden awaits to be discovered, heard and comforted. Ancient Greek thinker, Aristotle, encouraged human beings to face tragedy bravely long time ago. He believed that only through uncovering and facing tragedies can human being be cleansed and transcended. Museums should also face history with such spirit, and especially strive to uncover the covered histories so the hidden mistakes and tragedies can be reflected upon and be transcended. Only by doing so can museums truly become the carriers of knowledge and even places for the purification and catharsis of human beings.

The covered histories await to be uncovered in order to obtain catharsis. It is not only in the field of sociological science and history but also in many other fields, including art field, natural history and scientific history. This means each museum is related to the covering, uncovering and catharsis of history, and they need to re-scrutinize the historical knowledge they partake in.

Sub-themes

Under the theme of “Histories: Covered, Uncovering & Catharsis”, the conference welcomes papers on all genres of museums. That is to say, the subject is not limited to history museums but includes all types of museums. On the other hand, we welcome discussion from the perspectives of collection, research, exhibition and education, offering reflections on historical knowledge as museum professionals. Thus, the sub-themes of the conference include:

1. Museological Reflections on Histories of Nature and Science
Natural history and history of science have been deemed as objective knowledge when in reality they are the products of human knowledge activity. Since they come from human’s knowledge activity, there are conditions of ages and areas that inevitably affect their representation and narratives. In this sub-theme, we welcome discussions on the representation and collection of nature, science, and industry museums.

2. Museological Reflections on Politics and Ethnic Representation
Since the establishment of modern nations to the rise of postmodern multiculturalism, history museums and anthropology museums have been questioned by postmodern thoughts and postcolonial discourses. Issues regarding human rights and negative history are not only brought up politically but also in the aspects of ethnic groups, genders and occupations. Overall, in a society of diverse ethnicities, the concept of history is being re-examined.

3. Museological Reflections on Local Histories and Culture
When museological concept extends from elitism to populism, the idea of life and culture has also changed. Moreover, eco-museums have mobilized a movement and the definition of museum as an institution is also evolving. This sub-theme explores not only the definition and category of cultural heritage but also the significance of the booming local knowledge nowadays.

4. Museological Reflections on Histories of Literature and Art
Since 20th century, the history of literature and the history of art have been influenced by globalization, rendering dominant cultures and languages as well as their histories the guiding principle of history of literature and history of art. Those fit into the trend of national or local identification becomes the paradigm in the history of literature, while history of art is often marked according to grand international exhibitions. Thus, histories of literature museums as well as art museums have been covered by the dominant historical narratives that await uncovering and scrutinizing.