"The motive for tracing such a trajectory is to provide a basis from which to respond, in these days of consolidating super-power and globalizing art scenes, to two intertwined impulses: on the one hand, the solidification and reification of cultural boundaries that guard the distribution of resources and access to institutions, and on the other hand, the repeated invocation of "civilization" as a justification for acts on society, be they associated with empire-making or resistance-waging." (thanks Jens)