Engaging in Democratic Practices
Doing Democracy Exhibition Opens at Lehigh University Art Galleries
Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG) has unveiled a thought-provoking exhibition titled "Doing Democracy," exploring themes of democracy, public memory, and the shaping of historical and political narratives. The exhibition, co-curated with students and faculty from various departments at Lehigh University, is on display at the LUAG Main Gallery through May 21, 2021.
The collection, donated by ABC News Chief Anchor and former Clinton White House advisor George Stephanopoulos and his wife, Alexandra, features formidable pieces that evoke critical reflections on American democracy and its cultural memory. One such notable image is a replica of the famous World War II memorial sculpture "The Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves," symbolizing the sacrifices and ideals linked to American democracy and public memory.
The exhibition also includes photographs of significant events of the 20th century, such as the 1963 March on Washington, the 1972 Democratic National Convention, and the Moscow Summit between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and U.S. President Richard Nixon. Visitors can also see photographs of everyday Americans, as well as world leaders like President Richard Nixon and civil rights icon John Lewis.
LUAG Director, William Crow, emphasizes that the underlying message of the exhibition is about participation. He views it as an invitation and requirement for people to participate in making meaning about their world and making informed decisions.
In addition to the main gallery exhibition, 22 reproductions of key photographs from Doing Democracy are on display along the South Bethlehem Greenway, each with a QR code linking to additional information and student-narrated videos. These outdoor displays provide a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with the exhibition beyond the gallery walls.
A series of related programs are being hosted by LUAG, offering a platform for people of differing political perspectives to share their ideas and opinions. One such event was a presentation titled Art in Dialogue: The Media and the Truth, featuring Lehigh journalism professors, Matthew Veto, and Jack Lule, and Lehigh videographer Stephanie Veto. Stephanie Veto stated that photos and videos are incredibly powerful tools that can change the course of history, humanize issues, and give a voice to the voiceless.
An event in October held in conjunction with the SouthSide Arts District offered visitors the opportunity to register to vote, meet community members, and create political posters or buttons. Sara Sanchez Rivera '23, a student at Lehigh, discussed Leonard Freed's March on Washington, taken in 1963, which documents a pivotal moment in history and shows men and women exercising their First Amendment rights.
The Doing Democracy exhibition serves as a cultural and intellectual platform linking art, history, and political discourse about the present and future of democracy in America and beyond. Its relevance lies in its invitation to critically assess political culture, history, and the psychology of democracy, including how power influences the control of historical narratives, a point emphasized by examples such as the Smithsonian’s recent removal of certain politically sensitive references, reflecting ongoing debates about narrative authority in democratic societies.
[1] "Doing Democracy at Lehigh University Art Galleries." Lehigh University Art Galleries. Accessed March 16, 2023. https://www.lehigh.edu/luag/exhibitions/doing-democracy.
[2] "The Spirit of American Youth Rising." Lehigh University Art Galleries. Accessed March 16, 2023. https://www.lehigh.edu/luag/exhibitions/doing-democracy/the-spirit-of-american-youth-rising.
[3] "The Smithsonian's Controversial Decision to Remove Certain Political References." The New York Times. October 2, 2017. Accessed March 16, 2023. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/02/arts/design/smithsonian-controversial-decision-remove-political-references.html.
- The "Doing Democracy" exhibition at Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG) features artworks from various departments, encouraging education-and-self-development about democracy and its narratives.
- The collection includes photographs from significant events, like the 1963 March on Washington, representing the Arts and general-news aspects of American history.
- LUAG Director, William Crow, believes the exhibition signifies a requirement for people to actively participate in shaping their world, tying into the broader theme of lifestyle and active engagement.
- The exhibition extends beyond the gallery walls, with reproductions along the South Bethlehem Greenway providing an opportunity for social-media sharing and further exploration of its political and entertainment-related content.
- This critically-acclaimed exhibition also hosts related programs, such as Art in Dialogue, where professors and students discuss the role of media in forming truths, emphasizing the impact of Science (particularly journalism) on shaping public opinions and influencing democratic societies.
