Curating New Media Art: Process, Interaction, Virtuality

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As more and more artists integrate digital technologies in their work, it is common for curators to deal with the specificities of artworks that move away from the traditional notion of the static object and need to be plugged, configured, maintained or interacted with. The artworks usually labeled as new media art present certain challenges for curators, exhibitions spaces and audiences, while they open up possibilities for different ways of conceiving and developing an exhibition.

This course will focus on curating new media art through three features commonly present in artworks related to technology: process, interaction and virtuality. These aspects will lead us to consider, through a hands-on approach, the practicalities of curating new media art, from the very concept of the exhibition, to developing a project, calculating a budget, installing the artworks and presenting them to the public. Each week, we will discuss these subjects through case studies, suggested readings and sharing ideas.

Program

Week 1. Contexts and narratives

• Understanding the context: what is new media art?
• Creating the narrative in a group exhibition
• Factoring in technology in a curatorial project
• Working with artists: establishing fees and collaborations
• Assignment – develop the main concept of your curated exhibition

Week 2. Process

• Setup and maintenance of process-based artworks
• Explaining the process to communicate the meaning
• How to manage the duration of contemplation
• The role of curators in the preservation of new media art
• Assignment – select the artworks and define technical requirements

Week 3. Interaction

• Designing the exhibition space
• Engaging the audience in an interactive installation
• Interactivity and meaning: thought-provoking or entertaining?
• Interaction in public spaces, from perception to legislation
• Assignment – design the space of your exhibition using a floorplan

Week 4. Virtuality

• Curating net art, AR and VR projects
• Conceiving an exhibition space without objects
• Defining a visual identity and a communications plan
• Considerations on production and final project evaluation
• Assignment – establish a production and communications plan