Curatorial Strategy as Critical Intervention

This paper argues for acknowledging curation as a research process involving investigation, discovery, and critical reflection. Referencing Facing East: contemporary landscape photography from Baltic areas, curated by Liz Wells and commissioned by the Gallery at the Arts Institute, Bournemouth (UK tour 2004–7), it is suggested that curatorial processes parallel established academic models of enquiry based on the identification and refining of research questions. It is proposed that curatorial ‘voice’ emerges from definition of a field of concern, contextualisation of art works, and consideration of the ‘theatre’ of exhibition. Curatorial strategy as critical intervention is most effective when it articulates a range of issues, emotions, representations, and debates and provokes continuing curiosity and speculation, which in turn may fuel further research questions and explorations.