ABSTRACT
In curatorial practice, especially in East Asia, censorship is common. It takes on many forms, from blatant political interference and subtle denial of funding to self-censorship. Government retaliation is not the only challenge to curatorial integrity today. Social media has created an environment where controversial exhibitions, artists and even their subjects may face bullying and violent threats. Dealing with censorship is always situational. In curatorial practice in East Asia, one frequently encounters censorship and the associated pressures to exercise self-censorship. One of the most powerful instruments of an authoritarian government is to exercise control over artistic expression and yet avoid setting clear regulations and standards. The ambiguity can readily generate the fear of possibly violating unspoken rules and thus putting the institution, its staff and the artists it works with at risk.
