Words Of Wisdom: A Curator's Vade Mecum

by Jean-Christophe Ammann, Yuko Hasegawa, Rene Block

A modern update of the Medieval trade manuals--the 'come-along-with-me' ( vade mecum ) of Medieval craftsmen-- Words of A Curator's Vade Mecum is an invaluable guidebook for anyone interested in contemporary art and the practice of curating. In over fifty short essays, this compendium offers advice to a new generation of curators from veterans of contemporary art exhibitions who, over the past 25 years, have played a crucial role in shaping what we see today, and how we see it. While providing an intimate look at the minds of these master curators, Words of Wisdom also establishes the curator's craft as an important vocation that has changed tremendously over the past quarter-century. In the course of their musings, the curators offer behind-the-scenes insights into influential exhibitions and institutions and the contemporary art world they represent. Among the contributors are Jean-Christophe Amman, director of the Museum of Modern Art, Frankfurt, Germany; Donna de Salvo, curator at the Tate Gallery, London; Richard Flood, chief curator at the Walker Arts Center, Minneapolis; independent curator Hans Ulrich Obrist; and Marcia Tucker, founding director of the New Museum of Contemporary Art, New York.

Genres: Art

144 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 2001

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

How ever did I leave this book lingering on my bookshelf for so long without reading it?

Now one of my most cherished and favorite books of all time, I highly recommend it to any budding art professional or art lover who looks to understand all that goes into the making of an exhibitions. It is almost inconsequential who the curators are that are giving the advice (although I have my favorites) as what it is they are saying is so eternal and universally wise. I think almost every page of my copy is dog-eared, marked, marred, and highlighted - in book language that is true love.

[Sarah French · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with wonderfulness.