Experience Curators

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              In a world of globalization, the dissemination of art is a common occurrence. Although Pinterest and Tumblr are fantastic modes of public art circulation, the popularity of sites such as these seem to render the typical art historian’s role irrelevant. Anybody with internet access can curate their own personal archive in accord with his or her own taste. So where does today’s art historian work? In a museum whose social place is still defined by nineteenth-century criteria? In lecture halls full of uninterested students where they ferociously argue for their superior skills in curation? Instead of focusing on the limitations of “traditional” art history, I will address the constants within this field and offer some suggestions for its realignment. 

              In terms of establishing democratic taste, the internet has had the most impact since the printing press. Digital content is widely accessible and influential in the formation of opinions, especially with regard to visual and auditory art forms. Social media sites, such as YouTube, Tumblr, Pinterest, and Instagram, allow participants to circulate their own creative practices and broadcast their personal perspectives. This creates an expansive network of personally curated archives of taste. However, in this digital age, there is a strong push towards non-digital, active experiences. Art historians have the chance to facilitate the development of these experiences.

              Since art history as we know it began, art historians and critics have been the guides of public opinion. Now, with the advent of globalization, it is absolutely vital to stop trying to manipulate public opinion, but instead become proponents of public involvement in the arts. Whether through lectures, curation, or writing, art historians should act as what I shall call “experience curators.” This means that, in addition to establishing historical foundations for the study of art, there can be contemporary involvement in the arts.

              Experience curators are fluid thinkers, who interact with the creative world around them. Thus, students of art history studying alongside artists have a distinct advantage. Student artists and art historians together can influence one another, so that they are constantly evaluating and expanding their creative practices. This creates a symbiotic relationship between art makers and historians that benefits the public through real life involvement. Whether it is dance or new media, painting or theater, art historians should produce meaningful experiences for the interpretation of the arts.