The Paradox of Exhibitions

What is the Paradox of Exhibitions?

Exhibitions display collection items that we otherwise preserve. Unless they are digital items, they have physical form.

We take them out of their root cellars and pantries. We bring them into the light. We breathe on them.

We prop them up at an angle. We pull them tight around styrofoam forms.

We destroy them a little.

This is the Paradox of Exhibitions: when we exhibit things, we destroy them.

Here’s the thing:
Our collections sacrifice themselves for us, so we can teach new generations the truths they confirm.

We owe it to them to limit their suffering. And to make their sacrifice fantastically worthwhile.

Warmly,
Jonathan