Curatorial Practice

Today everybody is a curator – we curate our meals, our social media feeds, and our outfits. What does it mean to curate exhibitions in this current cultural landscape? This course examines the working processes of organizing exhibitions within the field of visual arts and the context of art institutions. The aim is to familiarize participants with all aspects of exhibition making, ranging from conceptual development to the physical realization of exhibition. This course introduces and engages students in a broad spectrum of exhibition presentations and institutional contexts, with a focus on ideas of audience engagement, curatorial responsibility, and risk-taking.

This course offers an opportunity for students to learn the basic theoretical and practical parameters of curating exhibitions. Using case studies (exhibitions organized by Ms. Respini at The Museum of Modern Art, New York and ICA/Boston), the course will explore various curatorial methodologies and strategies for a variety of exhibitions (monographic, thematic, collection presentations, performances, media-based and interactive projects, etc.), institutional critique and museum interventions, and performance. We will also look at social practice and urban projects in public contexts, and alternative or artist-run spaces. Through readings and discussion, viewing assignments and journals, field trips, and guest lectures, we will critically analyze the role of curators and cultural producers today.

Several sessions of this course will be taught offsite.

Priority enrollment given to 15 MDes ADPD students who must select course in limited enrollment lottery.