The Legacy of ‘The Family of Man’ project, funded by the Luxembourg National Research Fund, aims to shed new light on the reception of Edward Steichen’s photographic exhibition in the context of its international tour and of the permanent exhibition in Luxembourg.
Having toured the world during the Cold War, the impression became a tool of cultural diplomacy for the US Information Agency. However, very little research has been done on the reception of the exhibition and how the latter was adapted for the different locations. Here, the project will focus on the Global South. Concerning the local exhibition, the reception has been assessed; however, it has not been assessed in a historical-critical manner.
Initially neglected by the Luxembourg authorities, ‘The Family of Man’ underwent a nation-branding during the 1990s, and this trend has continued. Using oral history methods and a visitor survey, the research project aims for a more diverse and critical perspective on the exhibition. Ultimately, the project will draw on public history approaches for the publication of results: a website with an interactive map and a comic book are in the planning.
Speaker
Dr Claude Ewert is a historian specialising in contemporary Europe, with a focus on Cold War and European integration history. He obtained his PhD from the University of Cambridge, where he wrote his dissertation titled ‘The European Community’s Relations with the Soviet Union (1973-1991).’
Following a brief stint in EU diplomacy, Claude joined the Luxembourg Centre for Contemporary and Digital History as a postdoctoral researcher in the FOMLeg project.
Details
This is a hybrid event. If you would like to attend online, please register for the Zoom link. The talk starts at 18.30 CET (17.30 UK time).
Tuesday, 25 February 2025
18.30 - 20.00 (CET)
Online