Exhibiting and curating
Defining Exhibiting and Curating
- Exhibiting is the act of public display or presentation of works of art.
- Curating involves selecting, organising and presenting works of art, usually in the context of a gallery or museum exhibition.
Key Functions of Exhibiting and Curating
- Showcasing art: Exhibitions are the primary mechanism through which artists’ work gets presented to the public.
- Telling a story: Through the artworks they select and the way they arrange them, curators can provide narrative strands and create connections between works.
- Engagement with audience: Potential for engagement with audiences is significantly enhanced through exhibiting and curating, with people encountering the artwork often multiple times and in multiple ways.
Key Skills Required for Exhibiting and Curating
- Artistic sensibility: Curators need a keen eye for art and a deep understanding of artistic practices.
- Organisational skills: Coordinating the logistics of an exhibition requires strong organisational skills.
- Communication skills: Being a curator also necessitates communicating effectively with artists, institutions, and the public.
Impact of Digital Media on Exhibiting and Curating
- Virtual galleries: 3D modelling and virtual reality now allow curators to create virtual gallery spaces.
- Online exhibitions: Websites, applications, and social media platforms have made it possible to curate and share artworks online.
- Interactive experiences: Digital media has introduced interactive components to exhibitions, enhancing the audience’s experience and engagement.
Key Considerations in Exhibiting and Curating
- Exhibition design: From the layout to the lighting, a well-designed exhibition can greatly enhance the viewer’s experience.
- Contextualisation: The use of labels, texts, and other interpretive materials can provide context and background for the artworks displayed.
- Ethics and sensitivities: A curator should consider ethical issues, cultural sensitivities, and copyright laws when selecting and presenting art.
Prominent Figures and Influential Exhibitions in Curating
- Hans Ulrich Obrist: An influential contemporary curator known for his innovative approach to exhibition design.
- Documenta: A major international art exhibition held every five years in Kassel, Germany, known for its pioneering curatorial approach.
- The Whitney Biennial and the Venice Biennale: Major exhibitions that attract global attention and often set trends in curating.
The Role of the Curator in Contemporary Art Practice
- Intermediary: Curators often act as intermediaries between artists, institutions, and audiences.
- Collaborators: In contemporary practice, curators often work closely with artists, sometimes becoming collaborators in the creation of new work.
- Influencers: Curators can shape artistic trends, bring attention to previously overlooked artists or art forms, and influence public opinion about art.
Key Challenges in Exhibiting and Curating
- Accessibility: Curators need to consider issues related to physical and intellectual accessibility.
- Sustainability: In recent years, sustainability has become an important concern in the art world.
- Representation: Questions of representation, particularly regarding gender and ethnicity, are key challenges for curators today.