The appeal and challenges of ephemeral art events
The appeal of ephemeral art events, such as live performances and temporary installations, which exist only for a specific period of time, lies in the immediacy and unrepeatable nature of the experience. This ephemerality emphasises the uniqueness, urgency and unrepeatability of the experience and encourages the audience to be more engaged and focused on the present. I was most impressed by Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama that demonstrated a modern take on the practice of ephemeral art, combining Yayoi Kusama’s iconic polka-dot art with fashion and transforming it into a one-of-a-kind exhibition and event. This case inspired me to think about the two sides of the art and business line. But does it change the essence of ephemeral art? Whether the authenticity and depth of art will be lost due to commercialisation remains to be considered. After a series of explorations I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the concept of ephemeral art discussed in the course and how it can be reinterpreted and applied in different fields.

Louis Vuitton. (2023) LOVE FOR PUMPKINS. Available at: https://me.louisvuitton.com/eng-ae/stories/lvxyayoikusama (Accessed: 2February 2024)

Extension and Transformation
By lengthening the event itself, as shown in Give Me Birth Tomorrow, we extended a weekend film festival into a continuous event for a whole year, which redefined the sense of time and space of the art event, breaking through the time constraints of traditional exhibitions and providing a more extended and reflective space. But has this lost the immediacy and raw power of art? According to art critic Rosalind Krauss in her book Sculpture in the Expanded Field, the spatial and temporal expansion of an artwork can create new meanings and experiences (Krauss, 1979). This provides me with a perspective on how the power of ephemeral art can be enhanced, rather than diminished, by extending time and changing forms of expression.

Tate. (2024) Ephemeral Art [Online image]. Available at: http://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/e/ephemeral-art (Accessed: 1

March 2024)

The double-edged sword of archivisation
Secondly, How We Hold’s approach to documenting and preserving ephemeral art activities through publication led me to a question about archiving art: does archiving imply curing, or is it a new creative process?Boris Groys discusses archiving as a means of artistic innovation in Art Power, suggesting that the process of archiving can be seen as a form of artistic creation in its own right ( Groys, 2008). From this point on publications as curatorial practice are not only about documentation and preservation, but also a means of artistic innovation and re-creation. In Return of the Real, art historian Hal Foster emphasises that archiving and recording in art practice is a bridge between the artist and the audience (Foster, 1996). Even ephemeral art events, through the form of publications, can establish a new dialogue and understanding that further deepens the audience’s experience of the art. In short publication as a curatorial practice not only provides a new life for ephemeral art, but also proposes a challenge and reflection on existing art forms and audience relations. This process is a preservation of the artwork, an expansion and deepening of the art form, audience participation and cultural memory.

• Ostrow, M. (2019) [Fog*FLO’s Fog*Canopy at the Fens] [Online image]. Available at: https://www.artandobject.com/articles/capturing-ephemeral (Accessed: 1 March 2024).

References：

Krauss, R. (1979). Sculpture in the Expanded Field. October, 8, 30-44.

Groys, B. (2008). Art Power. MIT Press.

Foster, H. (1996). The Return of the Real: The Avant-Garde at the End of the Century. MIT Press.

First Edit
6 March 2024

———————————————————————————————

In the sixth week of Seminar each member of our group gave a presentation on an individual curatorial project. Each project was unique and Tutor Adam made constructive suggestions for each member, including further refining the content of the exhibition, information about the exhibiting artists and the target audience, linking to current exhibitions, challenging traditional aesthetic standards and translating traditional techniques into contemporary art. These suggestions helped to make everyone’s curatorial projects more detailed, theoretically informed, and engaging.

I was impressed by Fancy Yuan’s proposal for a physical interactive exhibition combining psychology and art, including painting, games and installations. It aims to explore the inner world of human beings through artworks of 16 personality types and innovative Shen Linhao and green screen installations. It is unique in its interdisciplinary and interactive nature, but it needs to define more clearly its target audience and the specific content of the exhibition. Instead, Ningyue’s project plans to challenge traditional standards of aesthetics through photography and prints on thermal paper at Three Shadow Photography Art Centre. Focusing on the perspectives of artists and children, she proposes a new interpretation of traditional beauty. Very pioneering, it still needs to further refine its specific ways and strategies of challenging traditional aesthetics. Both projects demonstrate the application of innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to art curation, while at the same time there are areas where they need to be further concretised.

In response to feedback, I’ve contemplated minimizing the fashion show aspects in my project that might not robustly represent contemporary art characteristics. This decision is influenced by standard curatorial practices that emphasize relevance and coherence with the main exhibit concept, mirroring the necessity of aligning each element of the exhibit to enhance the narrative effectively.

Furthermore, my research led me to explore ‘the work before the work’ by Yayra Sumah, a project I studied following a recommendation from my tutor, Adam. Sumah’s interdisciplinary approach, focusing on the intersections of history, spirituality, and healing within the context of Congolese and broader African cultures, has provided invaluable insights. This reflection has substantially informed my approach, especially in connecting ancient traditions with modern aesthetics within my project (Harvard University Center for African Studies, 2021; Contemporary And, 2021).

The conceptual underpinning of my project has been significantly enriched by integrating aspects reminiscent of Sumah’s methodologies. This includes presenting the ‘preparatory’ stages of artistic creation, a concept often overshadowed in contemporary art discussions. By showcasing the process behind each art piece, I aim to underscore the transformation from traditional techniques to modern interpretations, thus providing a deeper connection between the viewer and the art form itself (Contemporary And, 2021).

These modifications and enhancements to my project not only aim to address the feedback received but also align with the evolving contemporary art scene, where the blend of traditional and modern elements is increasingly appreciated.

References:

Harvard University Center for African Studies. (2021). African Studies Workshop Featuring Yayra Sumah. Available at: https://africa.harvard.edu/event/african-studies-workshop-featuring-yayra-sumah (Accessed: 3 March 2024).

Contemporary And. (2021). #Healing (Faju). Available at: https://www.contemporaryand.com (Accessed: 3 March 2024).

Second edit

7 March 2024

Class summary and thoughts on Summerhall visit

In contemporary art and curating, the interplay between place, community engagement, and innovative artistic strategies is crucial. Lectures by teacher Francis Davis and Summerhall’s Director of Visual Arts and Film Curator Sam Chapman deepened my perception of how art can interact with communities and spaces beyond traditional constraints (Sotheby’s Institute of Art, 2018; Art File Magazine, 2023). Francis Davies’ discussion of the nomadic cultural organization ATLAS Arts made me aware of the necessity of how location shapes art projects.ATLAS Arts facilitates a range of community-centered art projects by drawing on the unique geographic and communal context of the north-west coast of Scotland, an approach that confirms how, in the absence of a fixed space, art can engage with local environments and social structures resonate (ATLAS Arts, 2022).

In addition to the presentations and exhibitions I tuned into at summerhall in week five, I researched some of the exhibitions that Summerhall has hosted over the years, including an exhibition of David Williams’ photographs during Covid19 in 2022

Upon exploring Summerhall, a multi-arts complex in Edinburgh, I recognized that this contrasted with ATLAS Arts’ artistic activities in the remote rural areas of Scotland (Summerhall, 2024). Not only did it reveal the broad scope and multiple possibilities of the curatorial field, but it also reflected how art interacts and engages in dialogue with the spaces and communities in which it is situated. Curating as I understand it goes far beyond the traditional presentation of artworks. It is more about creating an environment that fosters dialogue and exchange, an ecosystem where the public can directly participate and feel the impact of art. This participation deepens the overall sense of community engagement and enhances the resonance of the artworks. By comparing ATLAS Arts and Summerhall, I was able to witness how the way art interacts in different environments shapes and reflects the current cultural dynamics of society (Lind, 2021; Sotheby’s Institute of Art, 2018). This contrast not only demonstrates the diversity of geographical and cultural contexts in curatorial practice, but more importantly, it emphasizes the significance of the curator’s role in building bridges between art and the public. The curator is not only a presenter of artworks, but also a cultural transmitter and a medium of communication with the community. Their work requires not only an in-depth understanding of art but also a keen sense of the needs and expectations of the community to ensure that the artwork can create a real connection with the audience. This requires us as curators to constantly innovate in order to adapt to the ever-changing social and cultural landscapes, as well as a higher level of foresight, the ability to anticipate and guide future art trends and social changes.

Random shots from a visit to some of Summerhall’s specific pavilions, including pieces that struck me as reminiscent of the pain of driving steel nails into bones, which were placed in a space that had previously served as an animal morgue

Through my practice, I have not only been able to better understand the complexities of contemporary curating but also to recognize the crucial role of art in shaping society and culture. This prompts us as curators, artists, and even audiences to be more actively involved in the interaction between art and the community, and to promote wider cultural dialogue and social participation in innovative ways. In addition, the role of modern museums is to preserve and present contemporary art while ensuring the accessibility of artworks to a diverse audience, which is an important role for curators (Anita Louise Art, n.d.). Museums of contemporary art not only present creative works but also translate abstract expressions into experiences that are accessible to audiences, while emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and interpretive challenges (Anita Louise Art, n.d.).

In my future curatorial practice, I will also carry the lessons learned from Frances Davis and Sam Chapman with me as I continue to explore ways to integrate art into the community and create more inclusive and interactive spaces through curation.

References：

ATLAS Arts. (2022). ATLAS Arts Strategic Plan 2022-2026

Lind, M. (2021). “Situating the Curatorial”, e-flux Journal, (116)

Sotheby’s Institute of Art. (2018). Trends in Contemporary Curating. Available at: https://www.sothebysinstitute.com/news-and-events/news/trends-in-contemporary-curating （Accessed 2024-02-19）

Art File Magazine.（ 2023). “What Is Curating in Art? – Creating Impactful Art Collections”. Available online: https://www.artfilemagazine.com/what-is-curating-in-art/ （Accessed 2024-02-22）

Summerhall. (2024). “About Summerhall”. Available online: https://www.summerhall.co.uk/about/ （Accessed 2024-3-1）

Anita Louise Art. (n.d.). “Exploring Contemporary Art in Museums”. Available online: https://www.anitalouiseart.com/exploring-contemporary-art-in-museums/ （Accessed 2024-02-16）

First Edit
22nd February 2024

———————————————————————————————

In our panel discussion, we delved into the distinction between principles and values in projects, which is closely related to art curation. As discussed by Gilda Williams in How to Write About Contemporary Art (Williams, 2014), the key to effectively communicating contemporary art is to clearly articulate these values and principles in order to guide readers and viewers towards a deeper understanding of the context and meaning of the artwork. Meanwhile, the curatorial practice proposed by Hans Ulrich Obrist in A Brief History of Curating (Obrist & Bovier, 2008) emphasises the social and cultural importance of collaborating with artists and explaining contemporary art to the public, which echoes the values of cross-cultural respect and political critique identified by our group.

In addition, we discuss how these values are applied practically in our curatorial projects, which includes integrating cross-cultural elements, political critique, and ensuring material sustainability, practices that reflect the principles emphasised by Hackman (2002) in his book Leading Teams: Setting the Stage for Great Performances, which states that successful teamwork involves the establishment of shared goals and a commitment to achieving them.

References：

Obrist, H.-U. & Bovier, L. (2008). A brief history of curating. JRP / Ringier.

Williams, G. (2014). How to write about contemporary art. Thames & Hudson.

Hackman, J. R. (2002) Leading Teams: Setting the Stage for Great Performances. Harvard Business Review Press.

Second addition
5 March 2024

———————————————————————————————

Individual studies

I have spent the last week researching several artist-run spaces such as Big Shop Friday, The Lab, and Mercy Pictures who, through their unique innovation and independence, have demonstrated an effective challenge to the traditional model of arts organizations in the field of contemporary art curation. These spaces exemplify the decentralized tendencies and grassroots initiatives of the art ecosystem, promoting community participation and democratization of art practice. However, as Bishop (2012) points out, exploring participatory art and audience politics provides an important lens through which to understand how these spaces foster and inspire creative communities (Bishop, 2012). Further, Kester’s (2004) concept of ‘dialogue work’ highlights the importance of communication between artists and communities, providing a theoretical underpinning for analyzing how artist-run spaces can contribute to dialogue and community building through artistic practice (Kester, 2004). However, is this dialogue and communication always equal and two-way? Do artist-run spaces sometimes unconsciously reproduce the very power structures they seek to resist? Lippard’s (1997) exploration of the trend toward dematerialization of the art object further challenges the traditional modes of operation of art institutions (Lippard, 1997). By offering flexible and varied programs and exhibitions, these spaces exemplify the complex relationship between art and the social and economic environment in which it interacts. However, is it possible that this dematerialization may lead to a decontextualization of artistic practice, thus depriving art of its socially and politically critical edge?

To gain a deeper understanding of these issues, I have recently undertaken research such as the Hidden Project which demonstrated the positive impact of participatory art on community engagement and health research. Developed by Greater Manchester charity Made by Mortals, the project aims to enable people with lived experience of health conditions to express themselves through the co-creation of audio clips. This approach emphasizes the potential of the arts to promote community engagement and raise health awareness, but I think it also has limitations. Whether participatory art can achieve the elevation of the voices of marginalized groups needs to be supported by more empirical research. Secondly, the impact evaluation of the project should be more transparent and extensive to better understand its long-term effects and sustainability. Nonetheless, the Hidden project provides me with an interesting example of how art can be used as a way of exploring and addressing health issues. (Made by Mortals, n.d.)

In this week’s readings, Alberta Whittle’s concept of “capricious curation” provided me with a unique perspective on how artist-run spaces and participatory art projects can challenge existing power structures and contribute to social change. Through her practice, Whittle exemplifies the importance of inclusivity, rest, and political participation in curating, not only to elevate the voices of marginalized groups but also to stimulate broader social and political dialogue (ArtReview, n.d.). I realized how I could incorporate these principles into the curation of my own exhibitions to challenge the traditional modus operandi of arts organizations and pave new avenues for community building and political engagement. Whittle’s work RESET and its discussion in Trebuchet Magazine demonstrates how she uses art as a means of addressing global challenges and promoting social dialogue (Whittle, 2020; Trebuchet, 2020). This reflects the application of her concept of ‘curatorial capriciousness’ in practice.

seminar feedback

In the third week of discussions, our group explored our experiences of participating in other exhibitions and reflected on our upcoming curated exhibition. Including, but not limited to, themes such as Personality Analysis in 16, Harmonious Coexistence in Nature, etc., feedback from our tutor Adam revealed that we need to further deepen our understanding and expression of these themes. This included a deeper identification of forms and themes, a rigorous demand for quality research, and the importance of ensuring that our project was in effective dialogue with contemporary art. This feedback prompted me to reflect that, although my initial intentions were positive, greater attention must be paid to the depth of research, the social impact of the exhibition, and the innovation of the art when curating the exhibition (Chilton & Leavy, 2020)

References：

ArtReview, n.d. “Alberta Whittle’s Political Project of Remembering.” Available at: https://artreview.com/alberta-whittle-create-dangerously-national-galleries-of-scotland-edinburgh-review/

Bishop, C. (2012). ‘Artificial Hells: Participatory Art and the Politics of Spectatorship’, London: Verso Books

Chilton, G. & Leavy, P. (2020) ‘Arts-Based Research: Merging Social Research and the Creative Arts’, in P. Leavy (ed.) The Oxford Handbook of Qualitative Research, 2nd ed, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190847388.013.27 (Accessed: 1 February 2024)

Lippard, L. R. (1997). ‘Six Years: The Dematerialization of the Art Object from 1966 to 1972’, University of California Press

Made by Mortals. (n.d.). Hidden. Available at: https://www.madebymortals.org/hidden/ （Accessed 2 February 2024）

Kester, G. H. (2004). ‘Conversation Pieces: Community and Communication in Modern Art’, the University of California Press

Trebuchet, 2020. “Alberta Whittle: ‘I Felt the World Unravelling’.” Available at: https://www.trebuchet-magazine.com/alberta-whittle/ （Accessed 4 February 2024）

Whittle, A., 2020. RESET.  Available at: http://www.albertawhittle.com （Accessed 4 February 2024）

Class  inspiration and personal exploration

Under the rubric of ‘platforms and institutions’, I see the role and impact of curating in the globalized artistic landscape: the mediating role of the curator in exhibitions and their criticality – not only limited to the artists and the art objects but also extended to the curators themselves (Bacon, 2024). I am thinking about how curatorial practice can transcend traditional boundaries to form a form of exhibition that embraces the discursive.

Bacon, J.L. (2024) [screenshot] In Platforms & Organisations. [Online] MA Contemporary Art Theory. The University of Edinburgh. available at: https. //www.learn.ed.ac.uk/ultra/courses/_112352_1/outline/file/_9781569_1

The Institutional Turn

Drawing on Terry Smith’s Visual Arts and the Exhibition Complex (Smith, 2017), I sense how globalization is affecting art exhibition spaces, particularly through the ‘institutional turn’ in response to dominant changes in forms of social organization. This challenges traditional modes of exhibition and prompted me to explore in my post-course research how concepts such as ruangrupa’s lumbung embody community and socially activated art practices.

Universes in Universe (2022) lumbung - additional thoughts by Ruangrupa for documenta fifteen, 2022. [Online] Available at https:// universes.art/en/documenta/2022/lumbung

Universes in Universe (2022) lumbung - concept by ruangrupa for documenta 15, 2022. [Online] Available at: https://universes.art/en/documenta/2022 [Online] Available at: /short-concept

Convergence of Theory and Practice: Exploring Intercultural Curatorial Practices

Drawing on Kester’s (2011) insights, I explore how artistic practice can contribute to wider social engagement and dialogue. In the tension between globalization and local culture, curators need to balance this complexity. In conjunction with Bennett’s (1995) analysis of art exhibitions as a platform for global cultural exchange in The Exhibition Complex, I focus on introducing China’s intangible cultural heritage to a UK audience to demonstrate its uniqueness and promote cross-cultural understanding. Responding to the classroom’s response to globalized art exchanges is at the same time an extension of my personal exploration of the new life of traditional culture in the context of contemporary art. Therefore, I have adapted my curatorial strategy to present the traditional aspects of intangible cultural heritage and reveal its vitality and relevance in the contemporary globalized context. Inspired by Appadurai’s (1996) discussion of ‘cultural mobility’ and ‘cross-cultural consumption’, I have explored how to combine Chinese ICH with contemporary British art to explore cultural identity and the modern translation of tradition in globalisation (Appadurai, 1996). I explored how to combine Chinese intangible cultural heritage with contemporary British art to explore cultural identity and the modern translation of tradition in globalisation (Appadurai, 1996). I aim not only to demonstrate the unique value of intangible cultural heritage, but also to challenge and expand the boundaries between tradition and modernity, and to explore new ways of sharing and passing on culture in the age of globalization. The project aims to exemplify how continuous dialogue and exchange of cultures can be achieved through artistic creation and curatorial practice (Mohr, 2010).

References

Bacon, J.L. (2024) Platforms & Organisations.[Online] MA Contemporary Art Theory. The University of Edinburgh. Available at: https://www.learn.ed. ac.uk/ultra/courses/_112352_1/outline/file/_9781569_1 [Accessed 30 March 2024]

Smith, T. (2017). Mapping the Contexts of Contemporary Curating: the Visual Arts Exhibitionary Complex. journal of curatorial studies, 6(2), 170-180.

Kester, G. H. (2011) The One and the Many: Contemporary Collaborative Art in a Global Context. 1st edition. [Online]. Durham: Duke University Press

Bennett, T. (1995) The Birth of the Museum: History, Theory, Politics. 1st edition. [Online]. London: Routledge.

Appadurai, A. (1996). Modernity at Large: Cultural Dimensions of Globalization. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.

Bennett, T. (1995) The Birth of the Museum: History, Theory, Politics. 1st edition. [Online]. London: Routledge.

Mohr, P. A. (2010) Klonk, Charlotte. Spaces of experience: art gallery interiors from 1800 to 2000. CHOICE: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries 47 (8) p.1462-.

The first week of research has made me rethink the definition and purpose of curation. In particular, through in-depth reading of Microcurating: The Role of SVAO in the History of exhibition production (Bilbao, 2018) and On Curating: interviews with ten international curators (Thea, 2009), I have begun to question the role and efficacy of the traditional model of curating in current global cultural exchange.

Theoretical Insights and Personal Reflections
Firstly, from Microcurating: The Role of SVAO (Bilbao, 2018), I was excited by the attempts of Small Visual Arts Organisations (SVAO) to challenge traditional curatorial boundaries. They have challenged the boundaries of traditional art exhibitions and facilitated community engagement and public art practice through localized projects. This was evident in the Scottish Landscape Awards exhibition, which showcased a range of art forms from painting to multimedia, reflecting the fusion of local (Scottish) and global perspectives (Scottish Arts Trust, 2024). But I also began to ask myself: is this innovation enough to deal with the fragmentation of culture in the face of globalization? The combination of local artistic expression and global perspectives that I observed in the Scottish Landscape Awards, whilst inspiring, also revealed potential tensions and conflicts between the local and the global.

Lu, J. (2024) Selected artworks from the Scottish Landscape Awards. [photographs] 

Bridging Intercultural Dialogue
On Curating: Interviews with Ten International Curators (Thea, 2010) has helped me to understand the role of the curator as mediator, translator and creator, and Zarina Bhimji’s exhibition Flagging it Up is an excellent example of this, as Bhimj explores the themes of power and subjectivity through her video and installation works. Bhimj explores themes of power and subjectivity through her videos and installations, and her subtle use of color and light, ambiguity and ambiguity in her work creates an atmosphere of non-directive narration, which is exactly how Thea’s (2010) interview discusses how the curator can contribute to the public’s understanding of the work of art through the provision of context.

Fruitmarket（2023）Zarina Bhimji Exhibition Walk Through.Vimeo.Available at : //vimeo.com/887586036 (Accessed:17th Jan)

The above is a modified version after Adam's first feedback