Ekow Eshun Delivers Annual Bathtub Lecture at Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is set to host its annual Bathtub Lecture on Saturday, December 13, featuring acclaimed writer and curator Ekow Eshun. This anticipated event will see Eshun present his lecture, titled "In the Realm of the Marvellous," where he will delve into the critical question of how artists and cultural institutions can navigate and thrive amidst increasing political pressure, cultural polarization, and societal tensions.
Ekow Eshun's Vision for Art Institutions
Eshun's lecture will explore the evolving relationship between museums and contemporary artistic practices. He highlights that many artists today employ intuition, association, physical experience, and imagination in their work, approaches that often diverge from the more analytical and rational frameworks traditionally used by museums. Eshun advocates for institutions to embrace these alternative artistic methods, fostering environments that allow for greater depth, empathy, and fresh perspectives. By integrating imagination, museums can offer more profound engagement and introduce new forms of understanding, according to his insights.
He emphasizes the urgent role of art institutions in the current climate of growing political divisions. Eshun argues against a neutral stance, urging museums to develop a language that authentically represents the diverse viewpoints within society. "In the Realm of the Marvellous" is a call for museums to transform into vibrant spaces of encounter—places that welcome varied visions of the future, promoting openness, inclusivity, and a nuanced reflection of today's multi-voiced reality.
Understanding the Bathtub Lecture Tradition at Stedelijk
The Bathtub Lecture is a yearly tradition at the Stedelijk Museum, where a prominent thinker or creator is invited to offer reflections on pressing issues within the contemporary art world. Following Eshun's presentation, art historian and curator Malgorzata Ludwisiak will provide a response, drawing on her expertise in institutional innovation and the future trajectory of museums. The event will then transition into a conversation between Eshun, Ludwisiak, and the audience, moderated by curator Amanda Pinatih. Attendees are invited to enjoy refreshments after the discussion in the Auditorium area.
Ekow Eshun is a London-based writer and curator recognized for his work on identity, representation, and contemporary culture. He chairs the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group, overseeing London’s prominent public art program, and previously served as director of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) from 2005 to 2010. His curatorial work includes significant exhibitions such as In the Black Fantastic (Hayward Gallery and Kunsthal Rotterdam) and The Time Is Always Now, focusing on depictions of the Black body in contemporary art. Eshun's essays have been published in major outlets including The New York Times and The Guardian. He is also the author of the Orwell Prize–nominated book Black Gold of the Sun and editor of Africa Modern.
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