National Galleries of Scotland to lead Slavery and Colonialism Review
July 28 2021
Picture: The National Gallery of Scotland
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The Times Scotland have reported on news that the National Galleries of Scotland will be leading a review on artworks with links to slavery and colonialism. This review includes public acknowledgements of 'works associated with slavery, racism and colonial exploitation.'
One of the paintings that has already been subject to changes is the description of Allan Ramsay's portrait of the philosopher David Hume (pictured). The signage that accompanies Hume's portrait now features references to his discriminatory attitudes towards certain nations and races, alongside his role in the Enlightenment.
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It seems that the National Galleries of Scotland no longer want people to look with their eyes but with their ears instead. It is becoming rather popular these days to encourage individuals to view absolutely everything through a political lens. When it comes to art, are there no other forms of reasoning that are valid apart from the political and moral?
