VISITE ORIENTÉE AU MEG

A decolonial and queer tour of the “Mémoires. Genève dans le monde colonial” exhibition at the Musée d’ethnographie de Genève (MEG)

This guided oriented tour is intended as a dialog between visitors, guides, the exhibition and the museum. Through situated perspectives, the aim is to question the practices and knowledge underlying the exhibition “Mémoires. Geneva in the colonial world” exhibition at the MEG, in the context of the decolonial turn.

How is the MEG positioning itself? How does this exhibition fit in? From what perspective(s)? Is any knowledge (in)visible? If so, how? What material conditions are being highlighted? What bodies are (in)visible, and how?

What does this pagoda-shaped, metal-framed museum evoke, with its collection located underground and accessible by a majestic staircase?

Who are these “anonymous” female authors and bearers of the lithethana? How did they become “anonymous”? Can we bring their stories to light?

What questions are raised by the totem poles sculpted by Sm’oogyit Niishluut, now placed in the heart of Geneva’s urban fabric?

These are just some of the questions that will be addressed using decolonial queer feminist tools. They will enable us to propose narratives and counter-narratives that are likely to give rise to emancipatory political imaginaries.

By Nayansaku Mufwankolo, artist, researcher, teacher and lecturer in critical theory and cultural studies, consultant on diversity and inclusion; and Maria Ejarque, independent researcher and curator, with a feminist, queer and decolonial approach.