A Brief History of Curating

A Brief History of Curating compiles eleven interviews conducted by Hans Ulrich Obrist with pioneering museum directors and curators from the 1950s-1970s. Through conversations with figures like Walter Hopps, Pontus Hultén, and Anne d'Harnoncourt, the book documents the evolution of exhibition-making and institutional practices during a transformative period for modern art. The interviews capture first-hand accounts of landmark exhibitions and the development of major museums, particularly in Europe and America. Each subject discusses their career trajectory, curatorial philosophy, and the specific challenges they faced in presenting contemporary art to the public during their tenure. These oral histories preserve the voices and perspectives of a generation that shaped how we experience art in museums today. Through their collective testimony, the book maps the emergence of the contemporary curator's role and the shifting relationship between artists, institutions, and audiences in the latter half of the 20th century. The compilation serves as both a historical record and a lens for examining enduring questions about the purpose of exhibitions and museums in society. The subjects' insights remain relevant to ongoing debates about curatorial practice and institutional critique.

Readers appreciate the book's compilation of interviews with influential 20th century curators, providing insights into exhibition-making history that wasn't previously documented. Many note its value as a primary source for art students and professionals. Readers liked: - First-hand accounts from pioneering curators - Historical documentation of notable exhibitions - Behind-the-scenes perspectives on museum work - Clear interview format Common criticisms: - Interviews can feel disconnected without more context - Some responses are brief or surface-level - Focus skews heavily toward European/Western perspectives - Limited photographs and visual documentation Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (30+ ratings) One reader noted: "Great resource for understanding how exhibition-making evolved, though it could use more diverse voices." Another commented: "The informal conversation style makes complex curatorial concepts accessible, but some interviews feel rushed."

Thinking Contemporary Curating by Terry Smith The text presents a historical framework of curatorial developments from the 1960s through the 21st century with interviews and case studies from international curators.

Ways of Curating by Hans Ulrich Obrist This book chronicles the evolution of curating through personal experiences and encounters with artists, collectors, and curators who shaped modern exhibition-making.

Six Years: The Dematerialization of the Art Object by Lucy Lippard The book documents the transformation of conceptual art and curatorial practices between 1966-1972 through first-hand accounts and primary sources.

Inside the White Cube by Brian O'Doherty The text examines the gallery space's influence on art display and curatorial decisions through a collection of essays first published in Artforum.

What Makes a Great Exhibition? by Paula Marincola The book compiles essays from curators, artists, and critics who analyze the components of exhibition-making and curatorial methodologies.

🎨 The book compiles 11 in-depth interviews with pioneering curators born between the 1920s and 1940s, including Walter Hopps, Pontus Hultén, and Anne d'Harnoncourt. 📚 Author Hans Ulrich Obrist conducted most of these interviews in the 1990s, preserving crucial first-hand accounts of the evolution of modern art curation before many of the subjects passed away. 🏛️ The term "curator" originally comes from the Latin word "curare," meaning "to take care of," as early curators were caretakers of collections rather than exhibition organizers. ✨ Several of the interviewed curators helped establish some of the world's most influential contemporary art institutions, including the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. 🌍 Hans Ulrich Obrist has conducted over 2,000 hours of interviews throughout his career, earning him the nickname "the curator who never sleeps" in the art world.