Paviljoens van Midden- en Zuid-Amerika (links) en Denemarken (rechts) op de Wereldtentoonstelling van 1878 1878

Adolphe Block captured this photographic print of the pavilions of Central and South America, and Denmark, at the World Fair in Paris. The World’s Fair was a spectacle of industrial progress and colonial power. This image offers a glimpse into how nations presented themselves on the global stage. The pavilions, with their distinct architectural styles, embody the complex interplay between national identity and cultural exchange that characterized this event. Consider the implicit power dynamics at play. What narratives were being constructed about these countries, and for whom? While these fairs celebrated innovation, they also served to reinforce existing hierarchies and project an image of European dominance. Block’s photograph invites us to reflect on the stories that were told, and the voices that were often left unheard. It prompts us to consider the legacy of colonialism and its lasting impact on our world.