August 2022
Happy August. The weather has been so warm/hot this week that I have had Wi-Fi connectivity issues from the home office and part of my download for this newsletter did not go through. My apologies for the delay.
A couple of weeks ago I went to The Hall Art Foundation in Reading, Vermont to see the incredibly curated duel shows of Lois Dodd and Leon Golub. One of the most remarkable {} about this exhibition is that it creates a conversation about the duality of both artists' approach in capturing the immediacy of human nature. Two artists could not have more disparate approaches, which made the visit to see the work electrifying.
This left me thinking about the agency of an exhibit based on good curation. It is something I also think we as artists should take into consideration when asked to participate in group shows.
When being invited to participate in a group show, do consider that you have a choice of who you work with, and how your work is exhibited.
A good curator will be able to provide a framework and context that provides a platform for your work to thrive within. It may also provide momentum for the next venue/gallery/etc.
In addition to establishing trust with the curator you are going to work with, you also have agency to decide if it's a good fit or next step for you and your career.
When you are entertaining participating in a group show, you may want to consider the following:
Who else is being considered for the group show?
What is the overall theme/vision the curator is working with?
What are the measurable outcomes for exhibiting in this location, at this time, with these artists, and this director/curator/etc.?
Do you want this to be the next step? Or a lateral move? Or is it a step back?
I hope this helps you stay curious about the process of showing your work within a group setting. If you have any questions or want to chat about an upcoming project or just want some feedback on work in the studio, I am booking one on one’s this month for $75/45min.
Have a great month,
Wylie
P.S. For now, It’s just me putting this together. Want to send me some support for now but can’t swing the $5/month sign up…
Consider sending me a Venmo donation @wylie-garcia and I will unlock the archives for you for a month.