“A signal contribution to the ‘culture wars,’ Dubin dispassionately examines the contemporary American museum as a battleground for the control of expression where elitist and populist camps clash over politically sensitive art. . . . His provocative study gives voice to curators and partisans on all points of the spectrum, making his book something of a lively free-for-all. . . . Cogently demonstrates that modern museums are crucibles for change rather than p… More >>
Displays of Power : Controversy in the American Museum from the Enola Gay to Sensation!
It is a good book to look at controversy during exhibitions, but from what i’ve read, it is slightly repetitive. They different exhibitions all have their detractors and it starts to wear on you when you end up discussing the same topics for each exhibition. (I am using this in a classroom setting) It is excellently written, though, clear and to the point, though at times the stories themselves are so convoluted that it gets confusing.
If you are a curator, or looking into curating as a profession, I would recommend this book, just to see some of the problems that can arise.
Rating: 4 / 5