Framework

Curatorial development in Scotland

Katherine Murphy

My curatorial background stems from engagement with artist-led projects. After graduating in 2010 from Duncan of Jordanstone, Dundee, with a degree in art philosophy and contemporary practices, I worked for two years at the artist run space Generator Projects. As chairperson, I curated exhibitions with contemporary emerging visual artists – collaborating with other committee members and invited curators to devise and disseminate an extensive programme of exhibitions, performances, talks and events. These activities happened locally in Dundee but also nationally and internationally.

Subsequent work in a number of galleries in arts administrative roles has nurtured my interest in curating, including Exhibitions at Cooper Gallery in Dundee (assisting with Georgina Starr Before Le Cerveau Affamé 2013 and Studio Jamming: Artists’ Collaborations in Scotland 2014) and leading workshops with Participatory Art Exchange at Grays College of Art on ‘Artist led activity’ (2014). Most recently, with the support of Dundee Print Studio, I initiated Dundee Print Collective. This new artist led collective has instigated a series of individual screen printing projects which are now, after the first year, self-sufficient and attract practitioners from all over Scotland. This supports artists by giving them opportunities for collaboration, practical skill share and to make new work. I an now an assistant curator for Glasgow International 2016, where I am working towards an ambitious programme of exhibitions, performances and events with both Glasgow based and international artists.

My interest is in artwork that accesses sensual perception whilst considering the necessity and specific qualities of the chosen medium and the artistic form. I am drawn to work with artists who use interdisciplinary approaches as a way to explore materiality, feminism, making, place, perception and their own influences. I have found myself being more attracted to processes of collaboration as a way of working. This has led me to question and challenge what it means to be a curator. In future, I aim to practically reflect on my understanding of curatorial practice through discussion and collaborative themed events.

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