Spotlight with Sarah Corona
Sarah Corona, Independent Curator, New York, USA
Could you tell us a little more about your background and how you got into curating?
I am a formally trained art historian, with further education in art and business. I’ve always been interested in investigating art from different backgrounds, in how artists from different countries elaborate on their culture and life experience. Since the beginning of my studies, I have been fascinated by these common threads and finding both similarities and differences in artistic practice.
Who/what has influenced your curatorial practice?
I am very interested in cultural theory and philosophy in general, specifically how media and technology shape our society, and how these ideas, topics, and issues are reflected through the arts. My curatorial practice is often inspired by other fields, such as cinema, literature, and music. They are great examples of how a visual and acoustic presentation can transform topics into something experiential, hence help a deeper understanding.
The role of the curator is continuously changing. Could you describe what it means to be a curator today?
I agree. A curator today is much more than someone organising an archive or a collection, or just making museum shows. A curator in the contemporary art world is an observer of society, both an enabler of artistic creation and a filter between art and its audience. Even though the curator’s role is often misunderstood for whoever finds the “newest” the “latest,” I don’t think the curator should be reduced to a talent scout. I actually think it’s someone who is able to contextualise––in history, in society, in psychology––the artwork and the artist and create something new out of this connection.
Challenging the viewers' thoughts and views about societal and political issues is also very important to me. We live in a society that shows more and more signs of division and of compartmentalised views. I see the arts as a great, if not the only, opportunity to talk about topics in a different way, liberated from societal norms, with the hope that the visual language can reach farther than the written word or fast paced news outlets.
Tell us about the latest exhibition / project that you curated.
I recently closed an experiential solo exhibition of Brazilian multimedia artist Lyz Parayzo, “Playing with Lyz Parayzo.” Parayzo’s audiovisual, jewellery, sculpture and performance art pieces use the body as its foundation and its daily performance as a research platform.
We transformed the gallery into an immersive, encapsulating space to discover the visual dichotomy between the feminine and masculine, play and danger, and soft and bold by installing bright pink lighting with Parayzo’s extremely sharp, kinetic, metallic works.
Upcoming projects are the Seoul Art Fair (KiAF) and two solo exhibitions with artists I’ve worked with for several years now.
What are you reading, watching, or listening to now, that is helping you to stay relaxed and positive?
I read a variety of books at the same time. Usually, there is a fiction novel, a management book, and a book about art or art history. The Sunday newspapers, usually the FT, is a weekly staple. It’s refreshing and sometimes illuminating to read about the European vision of events in North America. I am also a big fan of contemporary philosophers, such as Byung chul Han, and Yuk Hui. Let’s not forget cooking for and hosting friends, and sharing a nice digital connection such as an email with people who inspire me as forms of relaxation for me.
How long have you been part of IKT and how do you feel that it has benefited your curatorial practice?
I’ve been part of IKT since 2017 and it has been an exciting journey. The annual symposium is very helpful, even crucial, for exchanging experiences and opinions with colleagues from all over the world, making new friends and connections, and being inspired by other curatorial projects and visions. Travelling as a curator is also mentally and intellectually stimulating. And I love going to places I would not choose otherwise, such as the last annual trip to Kentucky or the upcoming meetings in Wales.
Thank you Sarah!
Spotlight
Spotlight is a new series of short interviews, aiming to showcase the diverse expertise and innovative approaches of our IKT members. Whether you're seeking inspiration or searching for potential partners, join us on this captivating journey as we uncover the stories, ideas, and creative visions of our members.
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