Representing Reflections: Theory of Visual Artist - Book Report/Review Example

1. Cultural values are reflected in the physical structures of the museum through depicting images that define a certain group of people. For instance, it can be seen that most museums appeal to the values of the capitalist system through defining artworks as valuable objects that are acquired through wealthy donors. A closer analysis of the given text shows that the aim of artworks in museums is to reflect cultural values of different groups but the problem is that other minority groups are excluded.

A good example can be drawn from the artworks displayed in Philadelphia and Metropolitan Museums. Whilst the aim is to portray the cultural values of different groups, it can be seen that not all groups are represented through the way museums are portrayed. Some groups are left out. 2. The concept of the canon posits to the effect that museums are mainly comprised of the work of the same people. The reasoning behind the canon is that some people are considered as central in understanding of art.

For instance, Picasso is considered to be central in the understanding of art. In other words, such people play a pivotal role in shaping the opinions of the people as well as determining the type of art that can be displayed in the museum. The issue is that some artists are viewed as opinion leaders and their artworks should dominate different platforms where they are displayed. The museums play a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of the concept of the canon. It can be seen that some artworks keep on recurring in the museums suggesting that they are more important than others.

This is designed to remind the visitors to the museums that some artworks are more important than others. The canon is shaped by different groups of people such as artists, historians as well as academicians among others and the selected pieces of art are important in some respect. They often symbolise a certain historical event that is often viewed as important worth to be preserved. Even years after the design of the artwork, it can still be found in the canon due to its contributions in the works of art.

Museums are more visible and they help to remind the visitors about the importance of certain artworks. 3. The authors’ analysis is that different artworks found in the museums are not demographically representative. It can be seen that some artworks are excluded on the basis of racism and sexism. Museums try to shape as well as to influence opinion among the people so that they can also have the same view of what is displayed. The authors argue that the artworks displayed in museums reflect the values and interests of the people who belong to the dominant classes and they rarely reflect the values of the minority groups.

The alternative values important to the authors pertain to the element of inclusivity. At least the values of all the people should be reflected in the museums to create a fine balance among the interests of many groups.