The art of curatorship

Meet Gerda Guldemond , curator at the Pretoria Art Museum

What does it mean to be a curator?

A museum curator is pre-eminently a specialist responsible for conserving a museum’s collection. Art curators have a passion and understanding for selecting and exhibiting artworks, setting up exhibition and researching art history, art mediums and artists.
 
How did you get started in the art world?

I started off doing a BA(FA) at University of Pretoria (1989) and then completed my MA (FA) Printmaking at Potchefstroom University of CHE (now NWU) (1994). I started my career at the Pretoria Art Museum, in 2001, as a curator of artworks on paper.
 
Besides a passion for art and a solid knowledge what other skills are required to curate an exhibition?

Being organised is a must and the ability to multi-task is indispensable!  Plus technical skills are really important to keep up with newest technology and art media which continually develop. I can also add that say that being a quick thinker and problem solver are great abilities to have.
 
With 119 pieces shortlisted in this year’s competition - where do you start?

While unpacking the works I start to get a feel for what was selected and the motivations of the  selection panels. Then themes, media, concepts start talking to each other while placing the artworks.
 
Entries come in many different forms - it must be a challenge working with wall pieces, installations, multi-media , sculpture etc?

Not really, as we almost always curate exhibitions with all the different media.
The challenge arises when different themes and concepts need to work together in the exhibition space.
 
How important is lighting?

Lightning enhances  the exhibition’s look and feel and brings out each artworks’ quality.
 
How much research and planning goes into pulling a major exhibit like Sasol New Signatures together?

The moment this year’s exhibition is dismantled we start planning for the next year. Dates, proposals and budgets must be finalized as soon as possible.

Navigating an exhibition can be daunting, what advice do you have for visitors?

Make use of the catalogue as a guide as this will inform you about the artist’s intentions or consider getting  a group together and book a guided tour with a museum guide to take you through the exhibition.
 
What are you most excited to see at this year’s exhibition?

As a printmaker myself, I am excited to see that traditional printmaking works were selected for the exhibition.
 
What is your role in acquiring pieces for the Pretoria Art Museum’s collection?

It is a collaborative effort as curators get together,  discuss the artworks and vote on them together with the selection panel. We consider theme, medium, skill and evaluate the trajectory  of the artist in the creative world.