WEEK3 Reading
The Fruitmarket Gallery exemplifies a modern and inclusive approach that reflects the contemporary relevance of venues as not simply places that showcase art but as places that actively engage the community and the general public. This attitude towards public participation, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion presents the gallery as a forward-thinking exhibition space that caters to the needs and interests of a wide range of audiences. The collaborative nature of the gallery’s curatorial approach, which involves artists directly in the creation of exhibitions, aligns with Terry Smith’s discussion in “Mapping the Context of Contemporary Curation.” Smith explores the changing role of curation and how the relationship between art venues, curatorial styles, and public engagement is evolving. He emphasises the need to understand the broader context of contemporary curatorial practices, including changes in professional roles, exhibition types, and curatorial methods.
In summary, the Fruitmarket Gallery serves as an exemplar of the principles outlined by Smith and as a contemporary art institution that successfully navigates the complex relationships between curatorial practices, artistic collaboration, and public interaction within the art exhibition ecosystem.
After reading pages 13-24 of The Curatorial Turn: From Practice To Discourse, I believe that the essay corroborates Smith’s discussion in emphasising the evolving nature of curatorial work in contemporary art. It suggests that exhibitions can act as platforms for critical intervention, shaping discussions around art and its role in society. This perspective is mirrored in the practices of the Fruitmarket Gallery, which dedicates itself to involving audiences through diverse, innovative exhibitions and public programs. This approach underscores a mutual commitment to making contemporary art accessible and relevant to a broad audience.