Personal profile
Research interests
I am interested in how museum exhibitions represent histories of European colonialism and how these histories are engaged with by audiences. Through researching these processes in museums in Britain, the Netherlands, and Denmark, I assess how contemporary museum exhibitions in Europe mediate colonialism as historical trauma. I consider whether exhibitions perpetuate trauma or act as a form of post-trauma therapy and for whom, and how these positions relate to the decolonising of the museum. Do exhibitions support or hinder decolonisation and why?
Many European museums are currently experimenting with exhibiting colonialism, yet are guided by an ill-defined discourse of decolonisation. My research contributes to an understanding of what decolonising in the museum means in practice by focusing on the impact of exhibitionary practices on audiences, which has been neglected in museum studies and practice.
My research brings together understandings of exhibitionary practices, decolonial practice and cultural memory.
Education/Academic qualification
Master, University College London
Award Date: 31 Oct 2019
Bachelor, University of Cambridge
Award Date: 30 Jun 2013
External positions
Exhibition Curator. The Museum of Richmond
2018 → 2019Senior Policy Advisor, Museums. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
2017 → 2018Cultural Content Manager, First World War Centenary Commemorations. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
2014 → 2017Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics where Andrea Potts is active. These topic labels come from the works of this person. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
- 6 Similar Profiles