Curating Social Meaning: Christian Viveros-Fauné on Art as Change

Ceri interviews Christian Viveros-Fauné, a Chilean curator and writer based in New York. Christian shares insights from his prolific career curating major biennials and writing for renowned publications. Christian offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of curating a citywide exhibition, from fundraising and gaining stakeholder buy-in to selecting impactful artists and works. He also discusses his personal creative drive, his approach to art criticism, and key artists who have influenced his perspective. Christian also talks about his next curatorial risk - a new book tackling the provocative themes of regulation and experimentation in the art world.

 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Political turmoil in Chile as a child shaped Christian's view of art as a powerful tool for social commentary.
• When curating a major exhibition, you must convince stakeholders it's a team effort they have a stake in.
• Christian seeks art that innovates on recurring humanist themes like war and love.
• He's committed to working in fledgling contexts and pushing institutions to grow.
• Christian values art's "figural" meaning beyond words, the way it visually engages society.
• He aims to translate complex ideas about art accessibly as a writer and curator.
• When writing criticism, Christian's established voice means he rarely tailors pieces now.
• His next book explores provocative themes of regulation and experimentation in art.

 BEST MOMENTS 

"I wanted to convince people that it's a team operation, that there's a stake in it for them as well as for you and the organisation you're representing."

"I'm a firm believer in the larger field of humanity."

"The fact that we get [big ideas] in new envelopes when they're effective, I think that's where the magic happens."

"My interest has remained in this notion of figural thought and the way meaning spills over."

"You never do know when you touch somebody in their hour of need."

"Keep being prepared to put yourself in the midst of those new, strange contexts to help us see the world differently."

PODCAST HOST BIO

Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way.

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