An Insight into the Curatorial Process

The artists ....

The exhibition 'what u say 'bout what?' was designed around a cancellation which included Youth Day 2014. The concept behind the exhibition was to investigate the question of where do South African artists come from? The invitations to participate went out in under a week - which immediately limited the pool of young aspiring artists to those who could be found. Frantic attempts were made to contact both secondary schools and tertiary institutions in and around Durban. Thanks must go to Jannie van Heerden and osmosis Lisa for doing this.

The selection process .....

A young curatorial team worked with the 'mentor curator' Bren Brophy to experience what went on 'behind-the-scenes'. Bren explained that selection could occur using a criteria-based rubric approach or a participatory consensus model. (Participation, dialogue and conversation) The latter was chosen.

Activity 1:

Design a list of selection criteria that could be used for an exhibition of this nature.

Use a rating scale for each criterion e.g. 1 to 10

Put this into a chart and test it out on some works around you in your studio environment.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this model.

Activity 2:

Research the participation model. 

Organize a 'panel' with 3 other members of your group.

Draw up some guidelines for selection, and then test out the model on works from your studio environment.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this model.

Which would you use?

Exhibition Design and installation ...

The concept or overall idea was initially discussed with the curatorial panel. This aimed to present the work in a way that enhanced the exhibition theme 'what u say about what?' - the idea of a conversation by young people about the issues that interest them. This of course implies that the artworks DO have something to say!

The selected work was laid out in the gallery and moved around on the floor until these conversations started happening. Often another selection process occurs when these conversations don't happen, and work has to be 'triaged'. (see the interview with Bren for this)


The technicians then started work with ladders, tools and a well-developed attention to detail! Laser sights projected onto the walls to create exact verticals and horizontals, and secure fastenings were used invisibly wherever possible.

Interview with the mentor-curator ... Bren Brophy