Sotheby's Institute of Art and theBLANC presented 7, a groundbreaking exhibition that shattered conventional curatorial boundaries.
theBlanc in New York City showcased the collaborative genius of seven trailblazing young curators, each paired with cutting-edge artists to create an immersive and multidisciplinary experience spanning installation, painting, and photography.
7 represented a bold departure from traditional curatorial practices, inviting viewers to embark on a transformative journey through the synergistic visions of these innovative curatorial voices. The exhibition challenged the very notion of singular authorship, embracing the complexities of collaborative curation and offering a powerful platform for experimentation. Faced with the formidable task of weaving a cohesive narrative while celebrating individuality, the seven curators from Sotheby’s Institute of Art crafted a dynamic dialogue between uniformity and innovation. The selected works transcended conventional boundaries, inviting audiences to rethink the role of the curator and the artist in shaping contemporary discourse.
Hongzheng Han, Sotheby’s Institute of Art faculty and Academic Content Manager, noted the project’s significance in shaping and preparing students for their careers in the art world. "One major challenge emerging curators face, especially those residing in metropolitan areas like New York, is securing exhibition spaces. While I firmly believe that a lack of space should never hinder a true curator's ability to realize their visions - look at Hans Ulrich Obrist, who launched his influential curatorial career by mounting exhibitions in his kitchen back in 1991 before becoming one of the most renowned names in the art world - finding a venue capable of housing a substantial body of work and garnering notable media attention remains a formidable obstacle for young curators. Hence, in designing my Curating Contemporary Art course at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, I have made it a priority to ensure that my students graduate with two fully realized exhibitions on their resumes: one at Sotheby’s Institute of Art and another at theBlanc, one of New York's leading commercial art spaces."
7 represented the culmination of Sotheby’s Institute of Art's commitment to nurturing curatorial excellence, building upon the success of previous exhibitions, Persona: The Art of Self-Expression and Destiny vs. Will: Navigating the Maze of Modern Existence. This extraordinary cohort of curators and artists came together to unveil a dynamic and diverse exhibition that delivered exhilarating perspectives and innovative storytelling for the future of contemporary art. Take a look back at some of the highlights from 7, below.
Artists: Leo Park, Peter Donders, Edozie Anedu, Tilsa Tsuchiya , Lua Brice, Ben Gould, Emma Howard, Milan Zou, Wenjue Lu, Chufeng Fang, Elena Redmond, Susumu Kamijo, Laure Mary-Couégnias.
Curators: Milan Zou, Krystal Yea Lim Ha, Emma Howard, Tahlia Sisney, Ivy Song, Almog Shimer, Armin Freller.
Passionate about curating? Read more on how to become an art curator.