This what I wrote in my notebook when I was reading the article: I think I understand it, but we can talk about it tonight.
Marco Polo Syndrome: Problems of intercultural communication in art theory and curatorial practice
Just as a dialogue between two people shouldn't be one-sided and rewarding to only one party -- a dialogue between cultures shouldn't not just involve one culture "talking" to the other, but both cultures actively "listening" to each other.
When something is perceived as different it is considered threatening instead of beneficial.
Dominant Eurocentrism is the main symptom of Marco Polo Syndrome
Eurocentrism: Centered or focused on Europe or European peoples, especially in relation to historical or cultural influence.
The problem of Eurocentrism in the arts: Art based on aesthetics from the western culture is exported to other cultures. Stereotypes are placed are placed on different cultural arts and exported from the west through colonialism.
This locks a culture into isolating traditions and as a solution cultures should make new traditions work through adoption.
"The de-Eurocentralisation in art is not about returning to purity, but about adopting postcolonial 'impurity' through which we might free ourselves and express our own thought".
The author likes the idea of artists making western culture from non-western sources.
A global dialogue among cultures (talking and listening) is capable of being a cure for the syndrome.
A solution to pull different aspects of cultures into art instead of separating cultures through stereotypes and expectation. Listen, learn, create and they will listen, learn and create.
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