The Missionary Premises at Kuruman Station c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have "The Missionary Premises at Kuruman Station" by George Baxter. It depicts a rather idyllic scene, but what strikes me is the way the missionaries seem to be surveying the land. What's your take? Curator: It’s crucial to unpack the term "missionary." This image isn't just a landscape; it’s a visual representation of colonialism's advance. How do we reconcile the apparent tranquility with the displacement and cultural erasure that often accompanied missionary work? Editor: So, it's not just about the buildings, but about the power dynamics at play? Curator: Exactly. Consider the gaze of the missionaries—what does it mean for them to be positioned as the viewers, the surveyors, within this context? What’s being overlooked or actively suppressed within this seemingly peaceful scene? Editor: I hadn't considered that the "peaceful" setting might mask a more complex reality. Thanks for pointing that out. Curator: Art can serve as a powerful tool to initiate dialogue about social justice issues, even if it's historical art.