Gezicht op het Japanse paviljoen op de World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893 1893

Charles Dudley Arnold made this photograph of the Japanese pavilion at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. It speaks to the late 19th-century fascination with cultural exchange and globalism. The image captures the pavilion's architecture, highlighting its traditional design amidst the fair's modern landscape. This juxtaposition reflects America's attempt to engage with global cultures while asserting its dominance. World's fairs were key venues for shaping perceptions of other nations, often reinforcing existing power dynamics. Japan's participation in the fair was part of its strategy to modernize and gain international recognition. Photographs like these played a crucial role in disseminating images of foreign cultures, shaping public opinion, and influencing policy. By researching archival materials, photographs, and exhibition records, we gain insight into how these events constructed and perpetuated cultural narratives. Examining the social and institutional contexts helps us understand the complex interplay between art, power, and identity.