Iconoclasm and the Museum

Iconoclasm and the Museum explores the museums' historical tendency to be silent about destruction, examining long-standing desires to deface, dismantle, obscure, or destroy works of art and historic artifacts. It examines changing attitudes to the intentional destruction of powerful artworks and proposes that we are entering a new phase for museums, where they acknowledge the critical roles of destruction and loss in the lives of objects and in contemporary political life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Iconoclasm and the Museum explores the historical silence of museums regarding the destruction of images and artifacts, delving into institutional attitudes towards iconoclasm and its place in public display. Through a series of focused case studies, author Boldrick examines longstanding desires to deface, dismantle, obscure, or destroy works of art and historic artifacts, as well as the motivations behind protecting and displaying broken objects. The book examines the effects of iconoclastic practices on artworks and cultural artifacts and how these practices are addressed within institutions. It also explores changing attitudes towards the intentional destruction of powerful artworks in the past and present. The book concludes with an analysis of creative destruction in contemporary art-making and proposes that we are entering a new phase for museums, where they acknowledge the critical roles of destruction and loss in the lives of objects and in contemporary political life.

Iconoclasm and the Museum is a valuable resource for academics and students in various fields, including museum and gallery studies, archaeology, art history, arts management, curatorial studies, cultural studies, history, heritage, and religious studies. It will also be of great interest to museum professionals, curators, and collections management specialists, as well as artists.

The book is organized into five chapters, each exploring different aspects of iconoclasm and its implications for museums. The first chapter provides an introduction to the concept of iconoclasm and its historical context, tracing its origins from ancient Greece to the present day. The second chapter explores the historical and cultural significance of images and artifacts, examining how they shape our understanding of the past and influence contemporary political life. The third chapter examines the institutional attitudes towards iconoclasm, exploring how museums have responded to the destruction of works of art and artifacts over the centuries. The fourth chapter presents a selection of focused case studies, examining specific instances of iconoclasm and its impact on artworks and cultural artifacts. The fifth chapter concludes with an analysis of creative destruction in contemporary art-making and proposes that we are entering a new phase for museums, where they acknowledge the critical roles of destruction and loss in the lives of objects and in contemporary political life.

Throughout the book, Boldrick employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from art history, archaeology, cultural studies, and history to provide a comprehensive understanding of iconoclasm and its implications for museums. The book is well-researched and well-written, with a clear and accessible style that makes it accessible to a wide audience. The case studies presented are engaging and informative, providing valuable insights into the complex dynamics of iconoclasm and its impact on artworks and cultural artifacts.

One of the key strengths of Iconoclasm and the Museum is its ability to challenge traditional narratives about the preservation and display of cultural heritage. The book highlights the complex and often conflicting desires of museums to preserve works of art and artifacts for posterity while also acknowledging the role. The book challenges the notion that destruction is always negative and proposes that it can be a catalyst for creativity and innovation. By exploring the intentional destruction of powerful artworks in the past and present, the book encourages museums to embrace the role of destruction and loss in their collections and exhibitions.

Another notable aspect of the book is its consideration of the role of the public in the preservation and display of cultural heritage. The book recognizes that the public has a critical role to play in shaping the interpretation and understanding of artworks and artifacts. By engaging with the public through interactive exhibitions, educational programs, and social media, museums can create a more meaningful and relevant experience for visitors and promote a deeper understanding of the role of destruction and loss in our cultural heritage.

In conclusion, Iconoclasm and the Museum is a thought-provoking and important book that will be of great interest to academics, students, museum professionals, and the general public. The book challenges traditional narratives about the preservation and display of cultural heritage and encourages museums to embrace the role of destruction and loss in their collections and exhibitions. By exploring the intentional destruction of powerful artworks in the past and present, the book encourages museums to create a more meaningful and relevant experience for visitors and promote a deeper understanding of the role of destruction and loss in our cultural heritage.

Weight: 368g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138369689