(2011-09-30)
"We're trying to show the significance of her work by the objects and by the use of her own field photographs," said Michael Schuster, the curator of the exhibition. "As a young woman, she was always interested in craft and handwork."
... "These are everyday items," Schuster said. "These are not items that are unique or spectacular; they are everyday items of the people living in Indonesia during that time. I thought that would be beautiful to highlight."
... "If you look at all the photographs and items in here, you'll see how much importance she placed on the dignity of labor and people's labor," Schuster said. "Many of these people [in Indonesia] were very poor, and she felt that her anthropological work could help people."
... "I think it's the first time anyone's done an exhibition on Ann Dunham's work," he said. "It's the only exhibition as far as I know."
... "I want them to appreciate what Dunham appreciated about the dignity of people's labor," Schuster said. "I want them to really appreciate that and take that on with them in their own lives – and not only appreciate who she was, but what she saw."