28–30 May 2011
Via Guido De Ruggiero 6
70125 Bari, Italy
A three day workshop about cultural topology, the dynamism of forms and surfaces in relation to the transitory nature of reality, applicable to Eastern/Western Europe and the Mediterranean area. Emphasis will also be placed on the evolution of curating as a profession and its essential role in social and cultural redefinition.
Art has described, reflected upon and even instigated certain internal social and cultural dynamics in and around these territories. Art works in an extra-disciplinary manner, without the necessity of self-justification, which is often an obstacle for other divisions of knowledge. vessel aims to focus on “artwork” going beyond simply the physical art itself and transcending into reflections on the state of the world. In this context, art is a useful device to measure a more general consciousness of the state of global relationships. It helps us collectively think beyond the relations and patterns that are typically and constantly imposed upon us.
The non-tangible nature of art influences contemporary art and the protagonists involved in its development. The role of curator is in a phase of redefinition and parallels the dynamically evolving nature of contemporary art. vessel views the curator as a researcher who needs a place both to carry out and present research. This is a very different role from that of the art historian, whose principal task is to research particular artistic movements or moments, to select examples and to present this research within the conventions of a historical presentation. By contrast, the curator uses his or her research as a tool to interact with reality through art, resulting in a reflection upon contemporary society. vessel is not focused on the nuances of particular exhibitions, but rather how specific exhibition studies can serve as platforms for evaluation of broader curatorial concepts.
For this reason, our methodology will be based on group activities focused on individual case studies. The core of these case studies will be comprised of varying exercises dealing with secondary material concerning the curatorial practice in relation to the overarching exhibition made in a certain geographical area.
From these activities, we will additionally create a database, which will become the concrete formalization of the concepts that guide exhibitions. This elaboration will allow deeper analysis of the research made by curators for related exhibitions.
The workshop will be held by the Scientific Committee of Vessel :
Charles Esche – Director of Van Abbemuseum Eindhoven (Netherlands)
Ilaria Gianni – Writer and Curator
Cecilia Guida – Researcher and Independent Curator
Denis Isaia – Researcher and Curator
Viktor Misiano – Art Critic, Curator and Director of international museums
Marco Petroni – Art Critic and Curator
Roberto Pinto – Art Critic and Curator
Viviana Checchia – Researcher and Independent Curator
Anna Santomauro – Independent Curator
Deadline is May 15th, 2011.
Click here to see how to apply
Vessel is supported by the Apulia Region
Winner of the prize “Principi Attivi 2010 – Giovani idee per una Puglia migliore”