"Museums and art galleries exhibit cultural traditions". Discuss this statement with reference to an exhibition you have seen. (Brisbane Art Gallery)

Museums and art galleries do exhibit cultural traditions to a certain extent, but often try to confront the audience's expectations. As cultural traditions are the conventions accepted by a society to display its culture, tastes or preferences and are governed by time and context, these traditions are constantly changing. Therefore challenging the mainstream becomes a challenge in itself. Opinions and beliefs change over time so museums and art galleries exhibit a range of works to …

…showing any particular cultural traditions. Brisbane gallery showed some cultural traditions but tried to so in a way that was interesting for the audience. Traditions are ever-changing so it is difficult to find a balance between alternative and mainstream, but by using a range of medias and artists albeit with a contemporary slant, the challenge is fulfilled. Confronting an audience ultimately creates more interest in the art, which is what museums and galleries are for.