Konsten att förstå konsten : En analys av utställningskataloger från Kalmar konstmuseum 1975-1985

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this essay is to analyze how the Kalmar Art Museum's exhibitions use history during the period 1975-1985. This is examined in relation to previous research on how cultural policy manifests itself in Kalmar Art Museum's operations. By applying critical heritage studies, with concepts borrowed from postcolonialism and gendertheory, the essay will in turn identify three themes in Kalmar Art Museum's exhibitions: use of history, other cultures and gender. Empirical evidence shows that there are clear connections between Kalmar Art Museum's themes and the cultural policy at the time. This is evident in how the 70s were characterized by a problematizing view of history that goes hand in hand with the museum and cultural policies ambitions to devotethemselves to regionalization and public education. At the same time, the study willshow how at the end of the decade there is a change in how the museum markets itselfand creates a brand, which is further strengthened during the 80s. This change manifestsitself in how the museum devotes itself to an idealizing use of history that lacksproblematization to a greater extent.