Cisneros Institute Research Fellow for Latin American Art | International Program

Supports research initiatives on Latin American art, with a focus on topics relevant to contemporary and international cultural discourses and debates, as framed by the Patricia Phelps de Cisneros Research Institute for the Study of Art from Latin America (‘Institute’).

This work is coordinated with the broader goals of MoMA’s global research initiative, Contemporary and Modern Art Perspectives (C-MAP), which is administered by the International Program department, which includes three other fellows focused on research initiatives devoted to the art of Africa, Asia, and Central and Eastern Europe.

The fellow conducts and documents research according to the chosen themes and parameters of the Cisneros Institute. For 2020-2023, the Cisneros Institute will research how artists, theoreticians, feminist thinkers, ecologists, and climate change activists, among many others, are rethinking Latin Americas’ relationship with the environment, thereby proposing what seems to be a major cultural shift for the region.

The Institute has determined three exploratory themes–formulated as key terms–that demonstrate the complexity and depth of this topic. The first, “The Vernacular, The Telluric, and Ritual,” examines how contemporary artists use raw materials as evidence of a natural patrimony, and how they turn to traditional crafts and cosmovisions of indigenous cultures as means to re-engage with the natural world.

The second theme, “Interspecies, Empathy, and Awareness”, explores artists who question the assumed superiority of human over nonhuman actors (animals, plants, technology, and the planet as a whole).

Finally, “Ecology, Sustainability, and Activism,” focuses on artists who confront ecology directly, whether by using advanced technology, condemning the commodification of natural resources, or explicitly engaging with local activist communities.

This research will inform a series of seminars and an annual conference held at MoMA and several conferences and workshops in Latin America, all programs that the fellow helps coordinate.

Reports to: Director of the Patricia Phelps de Cisneros Research Institute for the Study of Art from Latin America

Responsibilities:

• Coordinates the implementation of a research plan and a program of visiting speakers at MoMA, as advised and guided by the director of the Cisneros Institute and International Program staff.
• Compiles bibliographies and synthesizes theoretical and critical texts that inform research focus.
• Identifies artists, activists, and scholars relevant to research focus.
• Prepares six meetings annually in New York and one annual symposium in Latin America in accordance with the research focus; compiles relevant biographies, research materials, and meeting agendas; corresponds with invited guests; and maintains records of contacts and activities.
• Conducts research and creates and organizes detailed itineraries for group travel, involving booking flights, coordinating transportation, hotels, dinners, and meetings, etc., for MoMA staff who participate in the symposium in Latin America; attends and participates in group trips.
• Researches and keeps the Latin American research group, composed of MoMA staff who are interested in participating in seminars and activities organized around the research theme, informed about relevant exhibitions and events related to the research focus.
• Works closely with the International Program’s associate director and C-MAP coordinator, other C-MAP fellows, the editorial board, and Museum staff to commission texts for and oversee the content development for the post web platform (post.at.moma.org).
• Assists in the organization of and participates in joint symposia organized with other C-MAP groups.
• Supports other Museum research activities related to research focus, as needed.
• Performs any other duties reasonably related to the functions described above.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in art history, cultural studies, and/or a related field in the humanities (or the equivalent in countries outside the United States) with specialized knowledge of contemporary art in Latin America, or the equivalent level of experience. Phil candidates or PhD students preferred.
• Independent curators or researchers with strong expertise in the area of focus will also be considered.
• Experience working within an art institution context preferred.
• Strong knowledge of contemporary art in a global context and additional knowledge of art history in Latin America preferred.
• A focus on the Cisneros Institute research topic is preferred.
• Knowledge of discourses and cultural practices related to the decolonial, indigeneity, climate change, environment, and ecology preferred.
• Demonstrated research capabilities
• Knowledge of basic administrative and organizational procedures and skills
• Editorial experience preferred
• Fluency in Spanish
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work within a process-oriented team