Harriet Purkis
University of Ulster, Northern Ireland
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Published in: Current Issues in European Cultural Studies; June 15-17; Norrköping; Sweden 2011
Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings 62:28, p. 265-270
Published: 2011-11-22
ISBN: 978-91-7519-993-1
ISSN: 1650-3686 (print), 1650-3740 (online)
This paper will explore the role of the museum and gallery; in collecting and re presenting life stories of immigrants to Ireland. It will show the potential capacity of a museum or gallery to be a space which can link to those who have made Europe their home over the last 30 years. A case study will be presented - an exhibition called Destination Donegal. Ten people’s real life stories are displayed through personal clothing; objects from mantle pieces; filmed interviews and new portrait photographs; in an innovative art and social history exhibition. A discussion of the approach and results will allow a reflection on museum theory and practice in terms of the use of objects as holding narrative; objects as agency within the “everyday”; and the value of present day material culture in relation to a multicultural society.
