Curating the Contemporary in the Art Museum

Curating the Contemporary in the Art Museum explores how art museums present and interpret contemporary art, considering the museum as a space where the contemporary is staged. The book discusses the politics of framing modernism, the impact of the contemporary condition on art and museums, and presents international cases of exhibitions and curatorial practices. It offers a historical perspective on the museum of contemporary art and aims to differentiate between modernist and contemporary art and understand the politics of curating the contemporary.

Format: Hardback
Length: 258 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Curating the Contemporary in the Art Museum delves into the art museum as a dynamic space where the contemporary is showcased through exhibitions, collecting practices, communication, and policies. This comprehensive book, featuring contributions from esteemed art historians, academics, and curators, explores the art museum's role in the contemporary in two interconnected ways. Firstly, it (re)presents contemporary art, while also acknowledging the profound impact of the contemporary condition on art and the museum that houses it. Presenting a diverse range of international cases of exhibitions and curatorial practices, primarily from Europe and Scandinavia, the essays examine the politics of staging "national," "international," and "global" framings of modernism, as well as the new public spaces shaped by digital practices and evolving political frameworks. The book uncovers both seminal and lesser-known exhibitions and institutions that have played a crucial role in shaping contemporary art as we know it today.

Moreover, Curating the Contemporary in the Art Museum offers a historical perspective on the museum of contemporary art, serving as a valuable step toward distinguishing the canon of modernist and contemporary art and gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in curating the contemporary within art museums. This book will appeal to academics and students engaged in the study of museums, curating, exhibitions, and art history, as it provides valuable insights and perspectives on this evolving field.

Weight: 670g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032010540