The Rockwood Museum in Delaware is celebrating America's 250th birthday with an unconventional exhibit that challenges traditional perspectives on the nation's history. The "We the People" exhibit features contemporary art by five diverse artists, placed in direct conversation with the permanent collections of the estate's original inhabitants, the upper-crust Shipley and Bringhurst families. The artists, Alim Smith, Lauren Peters, and two others, present creations that stand in stark juxtaposition to the work displayed by the families who lived at Rockwood, an English-themed country estate built in the 1850s. Museum director Ryan Grover wanted to showcase work that presents other views of America's past, present, and future, and to attract new audiences by finding new ways to interpret old materials and stories. The exhibit aims to distinguish itself from other celebrations of America's birthday by presenting a more nuanced and diverse perspective on the nation's history, including the voices and perspectives of those who have been historically marginalized, such as Black, Asian, and Latino residents and workers. The artists' works raise deeper questions about who the 'people' are in 'We the People' and encourage visitors to look beyond the masks that people present to the world. While some artists, like Alim Smith, are more focused on exposure and the potential for sales, the exhibit as a whole aims to challenge traditional narratives and offer a more inclusive and nuanced view of America's past and future.
