Fred Wilson’s project “Mining the Museum” in 1992 at the Maryland Historical Society aimed to challenge traditional historical narratives by bringing marginalised voices to the forefront. The exhibition shed light on the historical complicity of Maryland citizens in perpetuating racism against Black and Indigenous communities. Wilson’s work served as a critique of museums as institutions that often exclude or misrepresent marginalised groups, emphasising the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives within museum spaces.
In the context of decolonial museology, the article discusses the impact of colonisation on Latin American societies, highlighting the suppression of indigenous knowledge and the imposition of Western paradigms. It underscores the necessity of challenging Eurocentric perspectives and promoting decolonial practices within museums and art institutions. The article also delves into Walter Mignolo’s critique of the institutionalisation of Wilson’s decolonial work, pointing out the limitations in addressing colonial legacies within museum settings.
Overall, the article explores how Wilson’s intervention at the Maryland Historical Society transcended traditional curatorial boundaries, engaging with the local Afro-descendant community in Baltimore and influencing the internal operations of the museum. It underscores the importance of reevaluating historical narratives and representations within museums to create more inclusive and just spaces that reflect the diversity of human experiences and perspectives.
