Who curates (whom): Artists-curators in institutions

Artist-curated exhibitions in museums and biennales have become more prevalent since the early 2000s. This seminar will examine several examples of this practice with a focus on artist-curated exhibitions in the UK, analysing to what extent these exhibitions challenge curatorial conventions and institutional norms. The work of Goshka Macuga at Gasworks, Elmgreen & Dragset at the Victoria and Albert Museum, Anthea Hamilton at the Hepworth Wakefield, Grayson Perry at the British Museum and Tacita Dean at the National Gallery, London will all be discussed.

Lilian Cameron will explore the approach to artwork selection, curatorial and artistic research, and the exhibition display strategies entailed in these projects. She will also highlight the slippage between artistic and curatorial roles in these exhibitions, the creation of alternative narratives and modes of audience engagement, and the generation of distinct curatorial permissions. This seminar will suggest that the careful institutional framing of these projects only allows for a partial manifestation of their radical potential. With reference to broader debates around curatorial autonomy, agency and risk, this seminar will also discuss a selection of artist-directed biennales and their differing impacts from artist-curated exhibitions in museums.

This research seminar contribution is drawn from Lilian's most recent book, Curating Art Now (Lund Humphries, 2022). The book is available in hardback and as an ebook from www.lundhumphries.com as well as all good ebook providers and bookshops).

Book your free spot for the seminar HERE. Please note this is a hybrid event - in person and on zoom.