The Curator's Guide to Working with Artists: 10 Counter-Intuitive Tips and Strategies
Through my journey as an artist I have been fortunate enough to work with some amazing curators over the years, and I have learned a lot from them. However, I also believe that there are certain things that artists can bring to the table when it comes to curating exhibitions and shows. In this post, I want to share some counter-intuitive ways that a curator can take advantage of an artist's potential, from an artist's perspective.
Now, before I dive into the meat of this post, I want to clarify something. I am not trying to teach curators how to do their job. That is not my place. Rather, I want to offer a different perspective on the relationship between artists and curators, and how this relationship can be mutually beneficial. With that said, let's get started!
Empathize with the artist's creative process.
As an artist, one of the things that I value most in a curator is the ability to understand and empathize with my creative process. This doesn't mean that the curator needs to be an artist themselves, but they should be able to appreciate and respect the work that goes into creating a piece of art. For example, as an artist, I have always been inspired by the work of Pablo Picasso and his ability to constantly push the boundaries of what was considered "art." I remember visiting Picasso’s exhibition at Tomie Ohtake Institute in São Paulo and being blown away by the range and diversity of his work. Empathizing with the artist's creative process means taking the time to truly understand their motivations, inspirations, and challenges. It's about creating a sense of partnership and mutual respect.
Don't be afraid to challenge the artist.
While empathy is important, it's also important for a curator to challenge the artist and push them to try new things. This can be especially true for artists who have been working in the same style or medium for a long time. A good curator will be able to identify the artist's strengths and weaknesses and help them to grow as an artist by presenting new challenges and opportunities. One curator who I have always admired in this regard is Klaus Biesenbach, the director of MoMA PS1 in New York City. He has a reputation for taking risks and showcasing the work of emerging artists, and I have always appreciated his willingness to embrace new and unconventional ideas. As an artist, I have always welcomed challenges and opportunities to grow and evolve. It's important to remember that while challenging the artist, the curator should also be respectful of their vision and goals.
Respect the artist's vision.
While a curator should be willing to challenge the artist, they should also respect the artist's vision and allow them to have a say in the direction of their own work. This is especially true when it comes to exhibitions and shows. A good curator will work with the artist to create a cohesive vision for the show, rather than imposing their own ideas on the artist. It's important for the artist to feel that their voice is being heard and that their work is being presented in a way that aligns with their vision.
Foster a sense of collaboration.
One of the most rewarding aspects of working with a curator is the opportunity to collaborate with them. This can take many forms, from co-curating an exhibition to working together on a public art project. Collaboration allows both the artist and the curator to learn from each other and to create something truly unique and special. It's important for the curator to create an open and inclusive environment where the artist feels comfortable sharing their ideas and collaborating with the curator.
Support the artist's career development.
A good curator will not only support an artist's work in the present, but they will also work to promote the artist's career in the long-term. This can include helping the artist to connect with galleries and collectors, as well as offering guidance and advice on how to navigate the art world. It's important for the curator to see the artist as a partner and to invest in their long-term success. This might involve providing access to resources and opportunities that would be otherwise difficult for the artist to obtain on their own.
Help the artist to tell their story.
One of the most powerful things that a curator can do is to help the artist to tell their story through their work. This might involve working with the artist to develop an artist statement or curating an exhibition that presents the artist's work in a specific context. By helping the artist to tell their story, the curator can give their work even more meaning and depth. It's important for the curator to listen to the artist and to understand the themes and messages that they are trying to convey through their work.
Provide resources and support.
In addition to helping the artist to tell their story, a good curator will also provide them with the resources and support that they need to succeed. This might include access to exhibition spaces, funding for materials and supplies, or even just a listening ear when the artist is feeling overwhelmed. It's important for the curator to be a supportive and resourceful partner for the artist.
Take risks.
Curating is not always about playing it safe. A good curator will be willing to take risks and showcase the work of artists who may be considered controversial or unconventional. This might involve bringing in artists from different cultural backgrounds or exhibiting work that challenges societal norms. It's important for the curator to be open to new and innovative ideas, even if they may be perceived as risky. By taking risks, the curator has the opportunity to expose their audience to new and exciting art, and to support the growth and development of emerging artists.
Seek out diverse perspectives.
The art world can be very homogenous at times, and it's important for curators to seek out diverse perspectives and challenge their own biases. This might involve working with artists from different cultural backgrounds, showcasing work by underrepresented groups, or simply being open to new ideas and ways of thinking. By embracing diversity, the curator has the opportunity to create exhibitions and shows that are truly representative of the world we live in.
Embrace the unexpected.
One of the most exciting things about working with a curator is the opportunity to be surprised. A good curator will embrace the unexpected and allow for serendipitous moments to occur. In my own work, I have been influenced by the Dada movement and its emphasis on subverting traditional artistic conventions. I find inspiration in the work of artists like Marcel Duchamp, who challenged the idea of what could be considered "art." One of the most memorable exhibitions I have ever been a part of was a show at the Tate Modern in London, curated by Frances Morris. She brought together a diverse group of artists and created an immersive installation that explored the theme of "the body." It was an unexpected and unforgettable experience. By embracing the unexpected, the curator has the opportunity to create truly unique and memorable exhibitions and shows.
I hope these counter-intuitive ways that a curator can take advantage of an artist's potential have been helpful. As an artist, it's important to remember that the relationship between artists and curators is a two-way street, and both parties have something valuable to offer. By working together and listening to each other, we can create something truly special and impactful. The end
