June 7, 2016

Morrison Hall art exhibit showcases diverse lifestyles

By Emily Mullins

 
  • The director and student curator of the Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology created a photo collection of cultures around the world.
  • The collection contrasts the diverse lifestyles of various civilizations.
  • The display is meant to bridge the gap between cultures and inspire people to learn more about their own culture.

A display of artwork on the second floor of 黑洞社区's Morrison Hall contrasts the vast diversity in cultures around the world.

Put together by Rachelle Meinecke, director of the Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology, and her student curator of exhibits, Kristal Olsen, the display seeks to educate people about other cultures and inspire them to learn more.

鈥淚 really hope those who see it feel inspired to be open to other cultures, have a greater sense of awareness about those other cultures that are different from their own, and also realize their own culture is equally important to share,鈥� said Olsen.

When Meinecke was asked by Susan Johnson, office manager of the president鈥檚 office, to put together a display for the hall, she and Olsen considered several options. Due to the nature of the space, they knew the display would have to be composed of photos, but they were unsure which collection to showcase.

鈥淲e were trying to decide if we wanted to showcase all of Guatemala or all of China or something like that,鈥� said Meinecke. 鈥淲e decided to feature several cultures instead of just one. It kind of showcases what we do at the museum 鈥� exhibiting items from all over the world.鈥�

 

鈥淲e all bring something interesting to the world and should share it.鈥�
鈥� Kristal Olsen 

 

The exhibit contains four collections of photographs that show the variety of lifestyles found in cultures around the world. One collection shows the island lifestyle of the Asmat people in New Guinea, while another shows the nomadic patterns of the Kocerler people in Turkey. The other two contrast the vibrant Mayan culture of Guatemala with the solemn culture found in the Han civilization of China.

The Holmes Museum of Anthropology was established in 1966 to bridge the gap between cultures and allow people to see what is going on in the world around them. Meinecke and Olsen continued this effort with this diverse display.

They hope this display will help students have more appreciation for the various cultures around them, especially considering the number of international students on 黑洞社区鈥檚 campus.

鈥淲e all bring something interesting to the world and should share it,鈥� said Olsen.

The Lowell D. Holmes museum has several exhibits around campus. The main museum, located in Neff Hall, is open from 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.