UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Acting Vice Dean (2017 - 2018) and Faculty, MA Curatorial Program, (1989 and 1995; 2005 – present)
Teach graduate seminars in art history, contemporary theory and curatorial practice for the M.A. Program in Art and Curatorial Practices in the Public Sphere and advise on M.A. theses. In previous years taught undergraduate art history survey, upper division lectures; graduate seminars in art history and theory for the M.F.A. and M.P.A.S. (Public Art Studies) program.
Curatorial Practicum
This course is the first component of a three-semester sequence of Practicum curatorial seminars designed to provide a historical, theoretical, and practical framework for students to work collaboratively to conceptualize, research, and organize a curatorial project for he final semester of the M.A. program. During the course we examine different typologies/sites of exhibition-making and other curatorial formats, focusing on the conception, organization, presentation and reception of each project. After an introduction to museum and exhibition histories, during the first part of this course we focus on curatorial methodologies and strategies for various kinds of exhibitions (monographic, thematic and collection shows, artists projects, performances, media-based and interactive projects, etc.) institutional critique and museum interventions, performance and re-performance. After the mid-term, we examine biennials, other large-scale curatorial formats and their discursive platforms, alternative or artist-run spaces and social practice and public projects in urban contexts. Through readings and discussion, viewing assignments and journals, field trips, studio visits and guest lectures, we critically analyze the role of curators and cultural producers from distinct generations, positions and ideologies, particularly those that expand upon or push against the normative definitions of curatorial practice. Throughout the semester students develop your initial ideas and parameters for your group curatorial project, culminating in a final presentation that includes a proposal, preliminary checklist of artists and work plan for the subsequent semester.
Art and Curatorial Practice in the Public Realm: Organizational Models
This course explores contemporary critical issues in curating and presenting art in the public realm. We define this broadly––from artistic production that intervenes into the urban environment and other sites, to public programs in artist run spaces, museums, and other institutions that aim to engage audiences. The class sessions covers various projects that engage the public realm and the fundamental methodologies needed to work with artists, organizations, communities and their specific stakeholders. Some of the core areas of investigation include: case studies of institutional and exhibition histories; new curatorial methodologies and models for public engagement; curatorial projects that emerge from situation, circumstance and event; artist residencies, partnerships, alliances, and collaborations as well as engaging controversy and managing conflict in project development. To better understand curatorial practice and public engagement, in addition to the lectures by the instructors, we have guest lecturers, dialogues with artists in residence and critiques from professionals in the field.
For the final project, students work in small groups to do an intervention into one of the exhibitions currently on view at Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (LACE) or Orange County Museum of Art.
While projects are executed in collaborative teams, each student writes an individual 6 – 8 page final paper. This should be a critical analysis articulating your own individual ideas about the conception and development of the project, the best practices or critical/theoretical ideas that informed your work and an evaluation of the successes and challenges of its final execution.