The Feminist Function of Affects: Affective Dissonance as Curatorial Methodology

Museums are affective. During the museum experience, we might encounter something that affects us. Sometimes this something lies in the autonomous qualities of an object on display. But sometimes, it is purposefully fostered by a curatorial intervention. This rather recent museological trend, theorised as affective curatorship, justifies its contemporary relevance by the didactic function of affects. Mostly implemented in museums dealing with difficult histories and their memory work, this thesis explores the potential of affects for feminist curations. Addressing the specific experience of affective dissonance, this work aims to contribute to the current understanding of museums as spaces of collective healing and well-being, and suggests affective dissonance as a methodology for feminist curators. Grounding its argument on the analysis of two exhibitions from the personal experience of deep affective dissonance, the research project argues for its efficiency in raising patriarchal...Show moreMuseums are affective. During the museum experience, we might encounter something that affects us. Sometimes this something lies in the autonomous qualities of an object on display. But sometimes, it is purposefully fostered by a curatorial intervention. This rather recent museological trend, theorised as affective curatorship, justifies its contemporary relevance by the didactic function of affects. Mostly implemented in museums dealing with difficult histories and their memory work, this thesis explores the potential of affects for feminist curations. Addressing the specific experience of affective dissonance, this work aims to contribute to the current understanding of museums as spaces of collective healing and well-being, and suggests affective dissonance as a methodology for feminist curators. Grounding its argument on the analysis of two exhibitions from the personal experience of deep affective dissonance, the research project argues for its efficiency in raising patriarchal consciousness and empowerment within the visitors identifying as women, and proposes a toolbox of curatorial strategies designed to foster its experience.Show less

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The Feminist Function of Affects: Affective Dissonance as Curatorial Methodology