Post #4 Curatorial Activism and Intervention- Dianna Rich

 Chapter 2 Quotes

"In our idealized perceptions of artists, we oen position them as magical people who make things perfectly the first time, or if not the first time, inevitably through their relentless pursuit of perfection. These myths of perfection and commitment are lauded, way past the point when they are helpful or even healthy."

This quote resonated with me because I sometimes find myself struggling with perfectionism paralysis in that I tell myself that if I can't do something perfectly I shouldn't at all. This is obviously untrue as you go through different experiences and realize that everyone is an amateur on some level. Even the pros who know the process and have mastered it are still taking shortcuts and macgyvering things to make it happen. They don't let it stop them and that is so important. An imperfect delivery is infinitely better than silence. 

"We are often our own worst enemies when it comes to being creative. As artists and activists we frequently self-censor our ideas because they aren’t clever or creative enough. Instead of striving to create masterpieces, we need to give ourselves permission to experiment in disasters: to muck about and test the ridiculous, absurd, silly,and, above all, stupid things. Unfundable things. Ultraviolent things. Insane things. Things that will make our bosses, boards, funders, or the police very nervous. We don’t need to act on these ideas, but we need to be able to think them."

I chose this quote because I identify with it in that I try to remain playful and/or curious like a child when creating something. It is hard not to let reasons get into your head why you should not express yourself fully or honestly but acting like that is not going to spark change or inspire anyone else. 

Quotes from Toward a Curatorial Activism

"So, again, what can we do? Instead of being disheartened by the sad reality, it is perhaps more productive to be proactively antithetical: to misbehave, to talk back, while dedicating ourselves to disrupting the hegemonic discourse from within by showing the gaps in representation ‘the blind spots, or the space-off, of its representations.

This quote is important because it is not enough to be disappointed by the inequality we still see across gender and races if there is no action to work against it. This can be done by giving a voice in and through art, and in life, to those that are being silenced, and by using your own privilege if you have a voice, to speak up for them. 

"What I do know is that, as we venture forward into this new century, it is imperative that art institutions examine not only their putative subjects, but their ideological biases as well. This will involve rethinking methodologies and iconographies for what they say, and do not say, about the constructions of race, gender, class and nation."

There are so many examples of history being white washed, whether it be in textbooks, art, even fashion and entertainment. In so many of these examples, credit is given to the white people for things created by people of color. We see this with gender as well where men take credit for things that should be attributed to women. In our current world, things are shifting and opening up as the world becomes more of a melting pot and it is a great opportunity to reexamine and revamp norms. 

 What is an art intervention? 

It is when art is used to try to create change and could be through through various mediums such as installation, dance, music, etc.

How can artists create messages for an audience that inspire change in a community? 

Artists should be intentional in their art so it will draw people in and spread a message of change. Find a way for the viewer to participate and something they will remember and want to share with others or make them want to take action in some way. 

How can we use processes/habits to help design an art intervention strategy?

By observing what's going on around you. By planning out when the best time to be creative is, by doing research to gather information to support the message. Making sketches of your ideas and evaluating your plans. Taking action. 

 What is curatorial activism? 

When art is made for the purpose of giving voice to marginalized  and under presented artists.

How can art spaces and exhibitions function to expand art activism? 

If the space invites people to learn more or take some kind of action and gives them a way right there to do so, that shifts it from just looking at the art to an actual clear path of action.  The spaces can also reach people that may not have otherwise received the message if it was not delivered through art in a museum for example. This encourages people to come together in these space and talk about issues.

I am thinking for the mid term project to focus on an issue in my hometown with food insecurity. There are several food banks and I know of at least one non profit that collects resources for families going through hard times. I am considering an installation based on this topic.