Glenn Lowry, the longtime former director of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, has issued a strong warning against reverting to what he calls a "narrow history of art" as cultural institutions navigate contemporary challenges and debates over inclusivity and representation.
In his recent statements, Lowry emphasized the importance of maintaining an expansive and inclusive approach to art history and museum curation. Having led MoMA for over two decades, Lowry witnessed firsthand the evolution of the art world and the ongoing discussions about how museums should present and interpret artistic works from diverse cultures and perspectives.
The former director's comments come at a time when many major cultural institutions are grappling with questions about decolonization, cultural appropriation, and the need to broaden their collections and narratives beyond traditional Western-centric viewpoints. Lowry's position reflects his belief that museums should continue to embrace a more comprehensive understanding of global art history rather than retreating to more limited perspectives.
Throughout his tenure at MoMA, Lowry oversaw significant expansions and renovations of the museum, as well as efforts to diversify both the institution's collection and its approach to presenting modern and contemporary art. His leadership coincided with broader movements within the museum world to reassess traditional curatorial practices and to include voices and perspectives that had been historically marginalized or overlooked.
Lowry's warning appears to address concerns that some institutions might face pressure to scale back their efforts toward inclusivity or to return to more conventional approaches to art historical narrative. His stance suggests that such a retreat would be detrimental to the broader understanding and appreciation of art's global significance and cultural impact.
