It was insightful to look at large and smaller scale curated shows and the role of the artist-curator within those spheres. Fred Wilson’s working with the museum as his palette was very interesting.
I really like the idea of smaller establishments that sit outside of the institution as sites for knowledge exchange. In particular, I enjoyed hearing about ‘space, place, practice’ which Michele has been involved with. It sounds valuable to have a community of artists who together, create points of departure for individual work or for collaborative work. I like the fact that other specialists can come in and contribute and different expertise comes together. I think it makes for a much richer experience and outcomes for the artist and those involved.
The lecture made me think differently about the space/s I choose to display my work. The space and method I choose to use can also become a communication tool or an enhancement to the work itself. I will certainly give this more thought and see if I can come up with new ways to display my work.
What is the role of the artist-curator for me?
Another point which Michele mentioned stood out for me. It was the idea that new ways of curating as an artist can shine light of biases and exclusion.
I like the idea that the artist gets to decide about the agenda, or that it can even give be the audience who sets the agenda. This is something I mentioned in my Provocation presentation – role of art, artists and curated spaces in society. I touched on the corruption found when the artist has little control over curation and ultimately it can dilute the full impact of the work. I think much more can be gained as artists collaborate together and participate in curation. Art can communicate and impact society by challenging perceptions or on a more impactful level, invite audiences to participate or even request future themes!
To me the artist as curator means that the artist has full control over how the audience will experience the work. I realise that artists have often stepped away from this role, seeing it as part of ‘marketing’ (which they feel they are not good at). It is refreshing to see the artist take on the role of curation. It makes sense and it utilises the creative element of curation as part of the artists vision and voice.
At the root of the word curate, lies the word Care. I believe role of curation should be rooted in caring for the work, the concept and what role it can play to maintain and repair society. A definition for curation: From the Latin curationem (nominative curatio), “a taking care, attention, management,” especially “medical attention,” noun of action from past-participle stem of curare“to cure” (see cure (v.)). From 1769 as “management, guardianship.” (Sourced from: https://www.etymonline.com/word/curate)
I will spend some time looking at the examples mentioned by Michele.
Thank you for the lecture!