Reconstructing Memory and Identity: Curatorial Practices in Post-Crisis Art Exhibitions

This article explores the role of curatorial practices in post-crisis art exhibitions, focusing particularly on the context of post-WWII Italy. It proposes a comprehensive, systematic framework for curating exhibitions that not only reflect historical trauma but also contribute to societal healing and cultural renewal. The framework integrates philosophical, social, and psychological dimensions, emphasizing the importance of curatorial decisions in shaping public memory and national identity reconstruction. Drawing from Michaela Giebelhausen’s "Reconstructing Exhibitions in Art Institutions", this article provides a step-by-step guide for curators to design exhibitions that engage deeply with the emotional and psychological needs of the public. It highlights three key stages: selection of artworks and themes, which reflect both historical trauma and societal resilience; the exhibition as an educational and social tool, facilitating public dialogue and reflection; and the design of the exhibition space, which shapes the emotional and intellectual engagement of the audience. Furthermore, the article reviews recent research on curatorial practices and their evolution in response to social crises. It examines how similar curatorial frameworks can be applied to other historical and contemporary crises, including migration, political violence, and environmental disasters. By applying this framework, curators can create exhibitions that serve as active spaces for cultural transformation, contributing not only to historical reflection but also to the reconstruction of cultural identities and the healing of societies affected by crisis.

کلیدواژه ها:

Post-crisis Art Exhibitions ، Curatorial Practices ، Cultural Renewal ، Memory and Identity Reconstruction