OVERVIEW

The course aims to provide students with the notions and methodological tools necessary for the understanding of the main issues related to contemporary art, the history of exhibitions and the evolution of the display, and, in general, the linking between curator, artist, audience, and institutions in recent decades.

After a general overview of the most significant exhibitions of the Twentieth century and the last two decades, we are going to analyze case studies that are particularly relevant for problematizing the role of display within so-called exhibition studies and visual studies. The course also aims to critically reflect on the 'spectacular' condition of the contemporary art system, highlighting idiosyncrasies and potentialities that characterize the triadic complex artist-curator-exhibition.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course covers the history of contemporary art from the early decades of the twentieth century to the most recent trends, focusing on the historical evolution of exhibitions, exhibition spaces, their set-ups, as well as the concept of 'display' from the point of view of exhibition design. Great importance is dedicated to the study of the figure of the curator, whose professional role is critical for understanding the reality and phenomenology of the current art system. In addition to offering multiple practical insights into the design and preparation of exhibition events, the course's main aim is to provide students with a solid historical-critical knowledge and awareness of essential elements in the training of the art historian, of those who curate art exhibitions and coordinate the artistic planning of the exhibition spaces.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of contemporary art history (Twentieth Century)

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures articulated with the support of multimedia materials and designed to encourage discussion on the topics addressed. Meetings with artists and specialists in the field are planned.

Attendance, although not mandatory, is strongly recommended.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course program will cover the following topics:

1) Reflection on the display as an exhibition strategy
2) Origin of the "white cube" and presentation of its exhibition specificities: between genealogies, limitations and new solutions
3) Specific insights into the history of exhibitions from Documenta 5 (1972) to the 2000s and on curators (Harald Szeemann, Seth Siegelaub, Lucy Lippard, etc.)
4) Exhibitions of/in the contemporary: post-colonialism and feminism as narrative-expository solutions
5) International presences in Genoa in the 1970s: galleries and artists

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography:

1) Brian O'Doherty, Inside the White Cube. L'ideologia dello spazio espositivo, Milan, Johan&Levi, 2012 and subsequent editions, pp. 15-34; 55-72; 129-133. Of course it is allowed to study the essay in O'Doherty's original publication.

2) Beatrice Von Bismarck, The Curatorial Condition, Berlin, Sternberg Press, 2022, pp. 8-30 (only the first chapter entitled "Curatoriality - The Relational Dynamics of the Curatorial").

3) Analysis of at least one exhibition from among those presented within the monographic issue On Display of the journal Mousse (vol. 61, December 2017-January 2018)

Note: The slides provided in class are an integral part of the program.

These texts are available in the DIRAAS library (Balbi 4, 3rd floor) and at the Archivio d'Arte Contemporanea (AdAC - Balbi 4, 5th floor)

Additional literature and background material will be provided during the course. We reserve the possibility to slightly modify the bibliographic plan during the course of the course according to the thematic development of the course. Depending on the students' interests, it will be possible to agree with the lecturer a specific in-depth program on topics covered in class.

Non-attending students are required to supplement the above bibliographic plan with the following text:

Antonello Negri, L'arte in mostra. A history of exhibitions, Milan, Mondadori, 2011.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ALESSANDRO FERRARO (President)

PAOLA VALENTI

STELLA CATTANEO (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

II° Semester

Class schedule

L'orario di tutti gli insegnamenti è consultabile all'indirizzo EasyAcademy.

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral evalutation

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam is passed with a passing grade if the student shows a basic knowledge of the syllabus provided/lessons covered. Higher and excellent ratings will be awarded through the verification of the student's ability to grasp critical aspects, cultural connections and interdisciplinary issues in the topics addressed in the course and discussed in the recommended texts.

Extensive gaps in art-historical knowledge, poor comprehension and analytical skills, inappropriate language, lack of reference points regarding the topics presented in class or regarding the most basic art-historical lineaments of contemporaneity will be evaluated negatively.

Exam schedule