The Persistence of Colonialism

We tend to speak of colonialism from a merely historical perspective. By using a term like post colonialism, it is even implied that we are ready to consider the colonial as a thing of the past. Yet, the question remains; is colonialism truly a closed chapter and have the colonial machinery ceased to exist? Have previous power and racism structures mutated into new shapes? Has global capitalism sprung from a colonialist mindset?

During this series of seminars, we will explore how colonialism affects the world of today: From pandemic power structures to an individual’s sense of self. By delving into different aspects of colonialism, we will try to understand and broaden the debate on the colonial period in a way which enables new knowledge and understanding of the world.

The Persistence of Colonialism is related to three solo exhibitions by Congolese Sammy Baloji (1978), Belgian Sven Augustijnen (1970) and Jamaican Ebony G. Patterson (1981) in Kunsthal Aarhus. The seminar series is created in partnership between the Centre for the Study of the Literatures and Cultures of Slavery (CSLC), Aarhus University and Kunsthal Aarhus and in collaboration with Moesgaard Museum.

At each seminar, one specific perspective on colonialism will be presented and discussed by invited artists, researchers and curators who work with this particular aspect. All seminars will be moderated by Associate Professor of Comparative Literature and Head of CLSC, Mads Anders Baggesgaard.