This course explores the history and theory of art exhibitions as physical or networked spaces of display, critical public spheres, historical processes of formal experimentation, power and ideology. Exhibitions under examination will include museological displays of art and cultural collections, temporary group and solo presentations, historical and thematic exhibitions, artist-organized shows, curatorial projects privileging digital and internet art, and international exhibitions such as expos and biennials. We will consider forms of exhibition-making with regards to their manifold institution settings and contexts—across museums, salons, private galleries, public spaces, web galleries and online programming. We will also examine exhibitions as counterparts to transformations in modern and contemporary art practice, changing forms of technology, work and labor, state power and private investment, cultural internationalism and economic globalization. Coursework includes research papers on exhibition history, discussions focused on the presentation and process of exhibitions and curatorial projects, meetings and conversations with curators, artists, historians, archivists and/or designers. We will study work and writings by Susan Cahan, Carol Duncan, Thelma Golden, Andrea Fraser, Maria Lind, Lucy Lippard, Rebecca Gordon-Nesbitt, David Teh, Patrick Flores, Kynaston McShine, Gabi Ngcobo, Helen Molesworth, cheyanne turions, Seth Siegelaub, Mary Ann Stanieszewski, Fred Wilson, among others.

This course explores the history and theory of art exhibitions as physical or networked spaces of display, critical public spheres, historical processes of formal experimentation, power and ideology. Exhibitions under examination will include museological displays of art and cultural collections, temporary group and solo presentations, historical and thematic exhibitions, artist-organized shows, curatorial projects privileging digital and internet art, and international exhibitions such as expos and biennials. We will consider forms of exhibition-making with regards to their manifold institution settings and contexts—across museums, salons, private galleries, public spaces, web galleries and online programming. We will also examine exhibitions as counterparts to transformations in modern and contemporary art practice, changing forms of technology, work and labor, state power and private investment, cultural internationalism and economic globalization. Coursework includes research papers on exhibition history, discussions focused on the presentation and process of exhibitions and curatorial projects, meetings and conversations with curators, artists, historians, archivists and/or designers. We will study work and writings by Susan Cahan, Carol Duncan, Thelma Golden, Andrea Fraser, Maria Lind, Lucy Lippard, Rebecca Gordon-Nesbitt, David Teh, Patrick Flores, Kynaston McShine, Gabi Ngcobo, Helen Molesworth, cheyanne turions, Seth Siegelaub, Mary Ann Stanieszewski, Fred Wilson, among others.