Some people argue that museums and art galleries should display local artworks instead of foreign ones. This essay will explain the reasons supporting this statement. National art is more fundamental to know rather than international for a strong identity and educational purposes.
The first thing to consider is related to national identity. If museums do not show the art of native people, where else a country will do to introduce it to visitors. The nation’s identity has to be known by citizens. A case in point is the government has a responsibility to save historical and antique goods, and art galleries will be the best place to provide showrooms. Sculptures, paintings, and other historical items should be protected in the right way. Museums can maintain the authenticity and quality of ancient goods well because of the professionalism and competencies of management.
Another justification for the argument that a nation’s art should be more shown in museums rather than from other countries is students need knowledge about their country’s history. When they understand original artworks from their country, they will know that their country is rich in traditional art. Pupils will understand the importance of keeping the assets reached in the past to prepare for the future. For instance, I understood Kartini’s effort for Indonesian women when I visited the Museum of Kartini in Jepara, Central Java. The museum displays letters from Kartini to her friends from the Netherlands to show their strength as a woman who needs equality gender in education. It will motivate young people, both male and female, to learn consistently.
Based on the above discussion, the different opinions about what should be shown in art galleries between national and international artworks cleared that it is more important to exhibit native artworks rather than foreign ones due to showing identity and educating the next generations.
