The Art Curator's Manifesto (In the words of Agent Peach)
I am a Curator of Fine Arts.
This has been my story since 2005, and it shows no signs of slowing.
Folks often ask me "What is a Curator?"
What does Curator mean in a literal sense?
* curator |ˈkyo͝orˌātər, kyo͝oˈrātər, ˈkyo͝orətər|
a keeper or custodian of a museum or other collection.
• a person who selects acts to perform at a music festival.
curatorial |ˌkyo͞orəˈtôrēəl|adjective,
curatorship |-ˌSHip|noun *
As a Curator, I would like to state that Curating is my Art.
It's the one thing that has stuck with me for the better part of my "Adult" Life (whatever that really means).
There is an art to whom I select to show, and why.
I choose a theme sometimes, and sometimes I don't.
There is a method to way I install the artists I choose.
I AM NOT JUST HANGING PRETTY PICTURES ON A WALL.
And speaking of Walls, just because you have 4 walls, it does NOT make you a ART GALLERY (That's a big can of worms I won't even open right now).
I will probably never hang up a painted picture of a Sailboat or a bowl of fruit.
However, I probably will push boundaries.
I am possibly (and probably) inspired by things that bring you discomfort, or make you really, actually feel something.
I Curate Modern Art. And to me, Modern Art is not Andy Warhol. It's not Monet. It's what's happening NOW. Like, Right Now.
I find comfort in things that may be perceived as "strange" or potentially "low class" - Because, I am not concerned with class, but rather with true, real and raw expression.
I am a fan of experience.
I have been brought to tears by the things I've seen people create. Literally to tears.
And, that's why I do what I do.
I never went to school to do this.
I never got a very expensive piece of paper that would likely afford me a job with a living wage to do the thing I'm better at then anything else in my life (at least as far as I can see) - But, I HAVE HOPE
. I am %100 driven by my passion to show what inspires me. I pray one day I can survive doing the work I'm best at.
As a matter of fact, I probably make less money then the person who is the "owner" of the "space" (be it a gallery or other), even if I am basically doing the most of or many times ALL the work.
Sometimes I am lucky enough that they evenly split the commission 50/50 with me.
However, my spirit and inspiration is never dimmed by this, for, again, Curating is my Art.
I spend so many hours before, during and after the opening tirelessly attempting to get people through the door to witness the Artwork that has been produced for your experience.
I thrive on the energy that the Creator provides.
I am ever engaging the Artist, the Buyers and the Gallery Owners (or Venue) to make sure that all involved are pleased. That's Honestly not a cake walk.
I drive art around, I drive artists around, I deliver art, I patch holes, I frame art ( WHY IN THE WORD IS YOUR ART NOT READY TO HANG?!), I hammer nails, I tape paper, I create, by hand, all those little tags you see that talks about the art, I Email, Call, Email Call, Email, Call… Copy, Paste, Repeat.
Well, Curating is my Art.
It's sort of an addiction.
I am addicted to creators.
Addicted to showing the World what's maybe impossible - but, then it's actually is possible.
I'm addicted to the Freaks, the Fans, the Innovators, the Boundary Pushers, the Ones who get it, and especially the ones who don't… Because THOSE ONES, that ones that don't get it… Well, it's my mission in life to make sure that one day, One Glorious Day, they do.
But then again, aren't we all?
And for now, that's a wrap.