WEEK 3

In today’s study in the workshop, I realized that the construction of galleries is not only for the exhibition of artworks, but also a kind of screening of artworks.

In my previous study, I learned that the design and construction of galleries should be as neutral as possible, without very strong genre characteristics, so as to ensure that more styles of artworks and exhibition themes can be accommodated. But today at the White Gallery, I just accidentally said: ‘The ceiling is very high’ and then James introduced that the top of White Gallery is nine meters high, but the elevator leading to the gallery is very narrow — and the stairs are too narrow for two people to walk side by side — because it is designed so that large works cannot be brought in for exhibition. That limits the artists and curators who choose white gallery as a venue. I did not think of a way to limit exhibitions by limiting works in space.

Considering the theme I wanted to work on, I thought I needed a flat and spacious venue that could accommodate at least ten corresponding pieces. And I want the audience to be able to shuttle through it to find the corresponding artworks, so I need to find a venue at least the size of two classrooms for the exhibition.

Actually implementing this exhibition is just my idea, and I am still struggling to decide whether to do an online exhibition. It is more convenient to do online exhibition for audience appreciation, but I need to do modeling. I need to learn the technical knowledge of this. It’s more intuitive to do offline exhibitions, but it’s also difficult to choose and borrow art.

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The second thing I learned was what constitutes a budget. The size of the budget almost determines the scale and content of the exhibition. Including Contemporary Art and Anthropology final assignments, budget is an important part of the process. With my previous experience, I only understood part of the expenses, such as site costs, publicity costs, labor costs, materials costs and so on. I didn’t think there were many projects that needed to be spent. On the budget list James gave us to read, “PR AND HOSPITALITY” was one item I hadn’t thought of. I’ve always thought that an exhibition is an exhibition and there’s only one event. Curators and artists will communicate privately rather than regard communication as a part of curation. I didn’t realize that the Artist’s Meal is also a part of the formal activity, which also needs to be included in the budget and activity planning.

James also shared two web pages that could actually be used as budget references: Scottish Artists Union and AN Magazine. It is of great help for me to have an in-depth understanding of the curatorial industry and finish the final assignment.