Curators are Bridges, not protagonists
“the curator inversely translates the artist’s work by providing a context to enable the public’s understanding”
1.Theme Selection: Curating should focus on interdisciplinary integration and collaboration
Rirkrit Tiravanija mentioned that “turned towards trans-disciplinary or collaborative practices to define new modes of bypassing formalist credos and bureaucracy”
When curating exhibitions, we can integrate disciplines such as sociology, ecology and anthropology to address current complex issues, such as climate change or globalization. This interdisciplinary approach helps to make the exhibitions more academically profound.
2.Venue selection: Curating should focus on the relationship between the venue and the audience’s experience.
The curatorial approach of the Istanbul Biennial mentioned that it abandoned traditional historical sites as exhibition venues and instead chose ordinary urban spaces, with the intention of “triggering unexpected encounters between the audience and art”. “…focusing on the working city… expanding and facilitating encounters with both international visitors and local inhabitants”
By choosing non-traditional spaces that are in line with the theme, the immersive experience and participation of the audience can be enhanced.
3.Meaning Structure: Curating requires respecting the independence of artists and their works.
Rirkrit Tiravanija believes that “It’s not what you see that is important, but what takes place between people”
The curator should have a profound understanding of the artist’s intentions and collaborate with the artist to construct the exhibition. Avoid turning the exhibition into mere visual consumption.
Thea, C. & Micchelli, T. (2009) On curating : interviews with ten international curators. First edition. New York, N.Y: D.A.P./Distributed Art Publishers.
