Last week, we had a series of discussions about the exhibition project, which brought me a lot of inspiration. The instructor divided us into several groups for discussion, and I was inspired by many ideas in the communication with my peers.

Personal growth through teamwork

During the discussion, I proposed to focus on the field of feminism, especially the works of less well-known but promising artists. At first, I thought it was a meaningful idea, and I thought that providing a platform for these artists would promote the progress of gender balance. However, after the discussion, a peer asked: “How do you define the criteria for selecting artists? Is there a subjective problem?” This question made me think deeply, and I began to question my point of view: In the curatorial process, can the selection of artists really be separated from the personal preferences of the curator? This triggered my concern about the issue of “fairness” in exhibition planning. Can we really objectively select artists? Or are our selection criteria ultimately just a continuation of our existing cultural concepts?

These thoughts made me realize the power structure and cultural bias in curating. The criteria for selecting artists may hide the invisible exclusion of certain groups. I hope to explore in depth in future blogs how to avoid such bias and ensure fairness in the curatorial process.

My contribution to the team

At the same time, I also try my best to contribute to group cooperation. In the discussion, I not only asked questions but also actively encouraged and listened to others’ opinions. I believe that it is crucial to listen to the voices of peers patiently, which not only increases their sense of security but also helps to avoid the interference of subjective bias. Therefore, in the group discussion, I try to respect the speech of each peer. I will show my attention to their speech by smiling and nodding, and give positive feedback and encouragement when appropriate. When my peers put forward some very valuable content, I will not only record it carefully but also give affirmation to help them express their views more confidently. However, I also realize that as a member of the group, can my listening and encouragement really remove everyone’s inner concerns, or in some cases, can my words themselves inadvertently solidify certain concepts? These are all issues worth further consideration.

I believe that group cooperation is not only a process of personal growth but also an opportunity for common growth. Through the inspiration of others, my thinking has been expanded, and I have also reflected on how I can avoid excessively influencing others in cooperation, and strive to contribute to creating an open and respectful atmosphere and promote the common progress of group members.