Department of English

This class integrates the theory and practice of curating contemporary art from the conceptualization of an exhibition to its realization. We will look at exhibitions as vehicles for the reception of art, philosophies of aesthetic experience, knowledge, and cultural politics. In order to do so, we will study the history of the profession and a broad overview of topics related to the production of exhibitions: curatorial research, writing for exhibitions, logistics, exhibition design, curatorial ethics, as well as best practices in the field. The class will feature conversations with leading curators to provide insight into their practices, and field trips to major institutions in Philadelphia.