Daisy Nam Appointed Director of the CCA Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts
A New Direction
In an exciting development for the art world, Daisy Nam has been appointed the new director and chief curator of the Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts at California College of the Arts (CCA) in San Francisco. With a rich background in contemporary art, Nam steps into her new role with a wealth of experience and a vision for the future.
From Marfa to San Francisco
Nam’s journey to the Wattis Institute began at Ballroom Marfa, a renowned art space in Texas, where she served as curator since 2020 and ascended to director in 2022. Her tenure at Ballroom Marfa was marked by innovative exhibitions and a keen eye for engaging with living artists to create thought-provoking works. Nam’s new chapter at the Wattis will commence on April 1, 2024, coinciding with the institute’s move to a new gallery in CCA’s state-of-the-art Studio Gang-designed pavilions.
A Commitment to Artistic Innovation
CCA’s President, David Howse, expressed his enthusiasm for Nam’s leadership, citing her “impressive track record” and “deep understanding of contemporary art.” Howse is confident that Nam’s guidance will ensure the Wattis remains a central figure in artistic exploration and discourse, especially with the upcoming campus expansion.
Nam herself is eager to contribute to the vibrant CCA community and to elevate the Wattis Institute’s status in the contemporary art scene. She aims to continue the institute’s legacy of presenting compelling work and fostering artistic talent.
A Career Built on Curatorial Excellence
Nam’s approach to curatorial work is distinguished by her commitment to collaborating with artists and connecting art to broader societal themes. Her past projects at Ballroom Marfa, such as the notable exhibitions “Guadalupe Maravilla: Mariposa Relámpago” and “Kenneth Tam: Tender is the hand which holds the stone of memory,” have been celebrated for their critical engagement and inventive expression.
Before her time in Marfa, Nam contributed significantly to the Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts at Harvard University and held pivotal roles at the School of the Arts at Columbia University and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Her academic credentials are equally impressive, with an M.A. in Modern Art Curatorial and Critical Studies from Columbia University and a B.A. in Art History from New York University.
About CCA and the Wattis Institute
The California College of the Arts, established in 1907, is a beacon of creativity and innovation in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, CCA is dedicated to shaping culture and society through art, design, architecture, and writing.
The Wattis Institute, founded in 1998, stands as a premier nonprofit exhibition venue and research institute, known for its engaging exhibitions and commitment to contemporary art and ideas. With the leadership of Daisy Nam, the institute is poised to embark on a new era of artistic excellence and influence.
