“History,” it is said, “is written by the winners.” But history might also be said to be written by the writers, who decide afterward who the winners were. Narrative: Control the narrative, and you drive perspective. But as we have seen in the past few years in particular, perspective – your so-called “own truth” – is not the same as objective reality.
A man might believe he’s Queen Victoria. Doesn’t make him so.
“Who Writes History?” – history being not the past but the story of the past – is the provocative title and subject of an exhibit opening at ArtsWestchester in White Plains on Saturday, April 23, and running through July 3.
The show considers how images and language (together and independently) shape our collective memory and mainstream narratives. Through their works, 21 participating artists attempt to manifest a more inclusive recounting of the past and present.
“Our exhibition asks questions that are roiling our society today: What is the ‘truth?’” ArtsWestchester CEO Janet T. Langsam said in a statement. “Is there one truth? Or are there many? Who ‘owns’ history? Does it belong to the writers and those written about? Or do we all have a share as a collective?”
“Who Writes History?” consists of events at ArtsWestchester’s gallery, online and in venues around Westchester County. Live events include Marcy B. Freedman’s May 7 multimedia performance, blending visual art, poetry, music and dance and Los Herederos’ June 11 installation of its sonicycle, an itinerant sound device, documentary tool and community organizing-activation platform.
Lectures include a session on public art’s role in civil discourse with artist Jean-Marc Superville Sovak and White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach, who will discuss the significance behind the downtown installation of a statue of abolitionist Harriet Tubman.
A full roster of “Who Writes History?” events are posted on ArtsWestchester’s website.
“Who Writes History?” is at ArtsWestchester’s gallery, 31 Mamaroneck Ave. General admission is $5, and members are admitted free. ArtsWestchester requires proof of vaccination for entry to the gallery and related events, and attendees must wear face coverings for all in-person programming.
One more thought: Perhaps if we want a share in history as a community it would behoove Americans to learn it and not only to write well but to write at all.
