The concept of ‘colonial contexts’ describes the conditions and repercussions of colonialism, that is, the occupation and exploitation of other continents by European powers. Basically, the entire spectrum of history since the discovery of America at the end of the 15th century to the present day is examined. It is a matter of ways of thinking and structures that in part were developed a long time ago, and have their consequences even today, of unequal power relations and the arrogation that European culture is of higher value than others.
In this connection, the Von der Heydt-Museum will have to research not only the origins of the non-European artefacts in its collection, but will also have to critically question the picture that European artists of Classical Modern Art have made of those regions of the world and their inhabitants. Among other questions, it must be asked whether racist stereotypes were employed, extended or generated.
