Expanding Internationalism - A Conference on ... - Mary Jane Jacob

Lynn Gumpert, an independent curator based in New York, moderated
the discussion group dealing with the contribution of international
exhibitions to today' s conterrporary art scene.
The conversation
inevitably led to considerations of how the prevailing mainstream and the
marketplace affect the content of these shows and whether they are best
seen as forums to expose new art; or to give recognition to those artists
who have reached a certain level of achievement; or to deal with topical
concerns.
In addition, the format for international exhibitions best
suited to displaying today's art--the blockbuster, smaller focused,
thematic shows, or shows of individual artists--was debated.
Throughout
the discussion it was necessary to keep returning to the question: who is
the audience for these exhibitions
"New Forums" was the subject of the roundtable led by Washington,
D.C. -based independent curator Milena Kalinovska.
This group looked at
how new models and sites might help to address the need for an expanded
internationalism, or could changes be achieved through curatorial
leadership, for instance, by increasing the participation of non-Western
curators. Government agencies have played a key role up till now in
defining the character of international exhibitions; the group discussed
how this could be changed, as well as what are the viable exhibition
formats that can be alternatives to that of national divisions as
exemplified by the Venice pavilions; and who should organize international
shows--should they be selected by one curator, a committee, local or
foreign persons It was found that in reconsidering the international
scene, there is a pronounced need for new exhibition sites around the
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