The issue of decolonizing the sculpture gallery in Liverpool’s Walker Art gallery has sparked a broader discussion in the UK about exhibiting art that challenges the country’s history of slavery and colonialism. However, a series of psychological studies have shown that implicitly held attitudes towards Black people can influence the viewing of paintings, indicating that racial attitudes continue to impact the perception of both historic and contemporary artwork.
This finding emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to diversify art collections and confront the colonial past, despite the persistence of these attitudes in society. As art exhibitions seek to challenge this history, it is important to acknowledge the role that implicit biases and racial attitudes can play in shaping the way that viewers engage with the art on display.
Dr. Tobiasz Trawinski of Liverpool Hope University’s Department of Psychology underscores this point, arguing that racial attitudes will continue to impact the perception of art, but that this should not detract from efforts to promote greater diversity in exhibitions and collections. The ongoing debate about decolonizing art and confronting the legacy of colonialism highlights the need for continued engagement with these complex and challenging issues, both in the UK and beyond
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