https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-we-can-do-more-to-protect-the-world-s-art-and-architecture-from-natural-disasters
In class, we have focused on the idea of manmade “disasters”
leading to loss of cultural heritage, such as Christopher Columbus’s arrival
into the new world. Another example could be the devastation caused by war. While
these manmade disasters are destructive for culture, I think it is equally
important to look at how devastating natural disasters can be in regards to losing
artworks, buildings, or monuments that are seen as important to our society or certain
cultures. These monuments and buildings are also beneficial to our history, so
that we can see where we came from and pass these works of art down to future
generations. This article does a good job at detailing why exactly these pieces
of our history need to be preserved. It also gives examples of different
disasters and how the response from the communities and global organizations
are able to preserve and rebuild some important works in the wake of natural
disasters. The article does state that we could be more prepared in preventing
the destruction of these key pieces of society; however, it did not seem like
they offered any concrete ways to become more prepared.
Questions: To what extent should we go to protect cultural heritage in
natural disasters, and should we put forth more effort in putting protective
measures in place for buildings like museums or monuments in case of natural
disasters? What would these measures look like?
The thought of preserving historical sites / pieces of art has never occurred to me, as the article points out that this is not something that Americans think much about. But, I do see how important it is to different cultures that have been around for much longer. I'd argue that as long as greater efforts are put in to protect and ensure the safety of the buildings and people that are around today, such as the school that collapsed and killed 250 students, then I think efforts can also be made to preserve the past. Yet, it might be challenging to protect artwork with old structures without altering it for stronger support, as the article says 18% of the monuments suffered damage. I think a bigger question here might be how to ensure the safety of something so old without altering but preserving the original artwork, possibly just providing more support around whatever structure / building.
ReplyDeleteThis article is very relevant to many of the class discussion we have had. Interestingly, this article brings up a different aspect of culture than what we commonly refer to when we think of someone’s culture as being taken away. Such as you said with Christopher Columbus and the natives, their culture as in their way of life and traditions were changed, but I never thought about how that affected the art and other manmade items or how natural disasters can change and even destroy art. I think that measures should be taken to help revive the culture and try to preserve artwork after a natural disaster. In the article, there is a quote that says “‘Only that tower remains,” one Amatrice resident told the Washington Post, “which means that if she was left standing, we can make it, too. If she falls, I don’t know.’” This quote resonated with me because it shows how much one’s surroundings and building structures represents the people and their culture. Although I am unsure how to go about protecting various forms of art, I believe that museums and monuments should be better protected to withstand natural disasters without drastically changing the building or structure’s originality or antiquity.
ReplyDeleteTo me it seems much less of a museum issue, and instead a lack of government intervention in cases where art is left destroyed and lost to disasters (both natural and man-made). In this article, most of the restoration and aid comes from governmental organizations motivated by people's personal care and attachments to the heritage represented by the art and architecture around their homes. The Haitian story in this link openly states that one official claims to only ever hear Americans react in disbelief at the idea of saving or recovering artifacts post natural disasters - which honestly concerned me a lot as an American. We should know better than anyone how important history is, and art or monuments represent concrete forms of the stories we hear/read about all our lives. They act communally as well, such as the 911 memorial in New York calls together everyone in the US (especially those directly affected) into solidarity and ultimately strength and support in the face of trauma and incredible loss. There should be no restraints to conserving pieces of value and culture for the sake of the community, education, and so much more.
DeleteAfter the general safety and health of individuals affected in the natural has been addressed, the preservation cultural heritage should eventually follow. After enduring and surviving a natural disaster, a person looks for a return to normalcy, for some sign of stability, and this sense of relief can be found in the assurance that one’s cultural heritage will be protected. After all, cultural heritage represents the identity not only of the affected nation but also of the affected individual. Thus, the preservation of art and monuments is not just for historical benefit but rather for the benefit of the people. As Margaret mentions, after Columbus arrives in the New World and brings about colonialization, the native people witness the negative consequences of having their culture and traditions taken, and in the same way, after a natural disaster, those affected could witness similar negative consequences if measures are not taken. Although the effects of any disaster are never truly predictable, knowing the risks of the sites of these historically and culturally significant places can allow for the proper precautions, but there is no concrete precaution for every place because each place’s risks are different. Still, nations, like Haiti, which do not have the proper resources to take these preventive measures, may have a difficulty in accomplishing this.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting find, Paige. This article, recently published in the NY Times, addresses the same questions, but from the point of view of climate change.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/09/25/climate/scotland-orkney-islands-sea-level.html
This is a great find Paige because it is an important issue to discuss even though many people really have not thought about this. I think we should go to great lengths to help protect cultural heritage in disasters such as putting more focus into the safety of our buildings. We should definitely put forth more effort into putting protective measures on our museums or monuments even though this could be more challenging.
ReplyDelete