Global south

Definition

The global south refers to countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and parts of the Middle East that are often characterized by lower economic development, political instability, and social challenges. This term highlights the disparities between these regions and the more developed countries in the global north, particularly in terms of access to resources, technology, and representation in international discourse. The concept of the global south is crucial in understanding the dynamics of global art practices, especially how biennials and international exhibitions can serve as platforms for underrepresented voices and perspectives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'global south' emerged in the late 20th century as a way to describe countries that have historically been marginalized in the global economic system.
2. Biennials and international exhibitions often feature artists from the global south to challenge dominant narratives and showcase diverse cultural expressions.
3. These events can act as critical platforms for artists from the global south to engage with global audiences and confront issues such as inequality and injustice.
4. The participation of global south artists in international art scenes helps to foster cross-cultural dialogue and address stereotypes associated with their regions.
5. In recent years, there has been a growing movement within the art world to decolonize exhibition practices and prioritize inclusivity for global south artists.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of the global south influence the themes presented at biennials and international exhibitions?
  • The concept of the global south heavily influences themes at biennials and international exhibitions by bringing attention to social justice issues, identity politics, and cultural narratives that are often overlooked. Artists from these regions use their work to challenge stereotypes and provide commentary on their experiences related to economic disparities, colonization, and political struggles. This perspective enriches the dialogue within these exhibitions, making them more reflective of a diverse global society.
• Evaluate how the representation of global south artists at international exhibitions can impact their local art scenes.
  • The representation of global south artists at international exhibitions can significantly impact their local art scenes by providing validation and exposure to their work on a global platform. This visibility can lead to increased interest from collectors, institutions, and curators within their home countries, fostering a more robust art market. Additionally, it can inspire local artists to engage with contemporary issues in innovative ways, ultimately enhancing the cultural landscape of their communities.
• Critically assess the role of biennials in challenging or reinforcing existing power dynamics between the global north and global south.
  • Biennials play a complex role in challenging or reinforcing power dynamics between the global north and global south. While they provide opportunities for artists from the global south to showcase their work internationally, they can also reinforce existing hierarchies if not carefully curated. The selection process often reflects biases that favor established artists from developed countries over emerging voices from the global south. Therefore, it is essential for curators to approach these exhibitions with an awareness of these dynamics to ensure equitable representation that genuinely reflects diverse artistic practices.

Related terms

Postcolonialism: A critical framework that examines the lasting impacts of colonialism on cultures, societies, and economies in formerly colonized regions.

Cultural Hegemony: The dominance of one culture over others, shaping perceptions and values through institutions like media and education.

Artivism: A blend of art and activism that uses artistic practices to address social and political issues, often relevant in global south contexts.