Maju Mundur: the concept
After the summer of 2021 we at Museum Maluku began putting 'Maju Mundur – Duo Interviews' online. The concept? Two people on a bench talking about a Moluccan art or cultural object. That may sound straightforward, but the idea behind it is anything but simple. In August the second series begins, with new people, new objects and a revised set-up. A good moment, we think, to look a little more closely at the Maju Mundur concept.
The idea behind Maju Mundur – Duo Interviews
The setting of Maju Mundur does not go unnoticed. In an empty space stand a museum bench and a plinth. On the plinth a Moluccan art or cultural object is displayed. Two visitors take a seat on the museum bench, with their backs to the camera. As a viewer you literally look over these people's shoulders while they have a conversation about the Moluccan cultural object or about the work of a Moluccan artist.
In the first episodes the conversations went in all directions. At the heart of the series are both 'old' and 'new' Moluccan objects. But when is an object actually Moluccan? And do those Moluccan objects really come from Maluku? Why are these objects important, or why are they (no longer) so?
During the episodes memories are recalled and there is speculation about the origins of the objects. The future of certain objects is considered too. The pairs talk about Moluccan culture and identity and ask questions, by no means all of which are answered.
Forward, backward
Maju Mundur: loosely translated, 'forward, backward'. Talking about the future by daring to question the past. For us as a museum it is a must to create a safe space in which these subjects can be discussed freely, regardless of anyone's knowledge, background or age. To spark the conversation through an accessible exchange in which questions may be asked and stories told.
READ ON BELOW THE PHOTOGRAPHS
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Series #2
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Series #2
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Series #2
The set-up of the videos will be slightly different in future. From the second series on, each video consists of conversations by several pairs about the same object. In each video, then, the object is central. In July we start putting the newest series online on our YouTube channel. Until then you can enjoy the first series, which we have put in a YouTube playlist. Stay tuned and keep an eye on our socials!
