Part 1 - Curatorial Activism Defined
In This Is What I Know About Art, Kimberly Drew and Maura Reilly’s essay Towards Curatorial Activism show how art can drive social change. They argue that art spaces and exhibitions are not neutral—they can either uphold exclusion or promote inclusion and justice. Through their work, both Drew and Reilly demonstrate how artists, curators, and writers can use their influence to challenge inequality and create spaces for marginalized voices. Their insights connect to many of the class themes, such as representation, visibility, and activism in art. Kimberly Drew’s story reflects her struggle to find space in the art world as a Black woman. A key moment in her book was when she started the Tumblr blog Black Contemporary Art, showcasing art by Black creators who were often ignored by museums and galleries. Drew writes, “My existence is a form of resistance” (Drew, p. X), showing that simply being present in these exclusive spaces is a form of activism. This experience connects to bell hooks idea of representation. Hooks argues that making space for underrepresented voices is essential to breaking down systems of oppression. Drew’s Tumblr blog did just that—it made Black artists visible and ensured they had a platform. This grassroots effort shows how activism can begin with small acts, like curating a blog, that eventually grow into larger movements. Drew’s activism teaches us that anyone, including curators, can play a role in social justice. Her experience in museums revealed how many traditional art spaces still exclude Black people, both as artists and as audiences. This exclusion is not just about art—it reflects broader systemic racism. Drew’s work makes it clear that inclusion is not optional but necessary for change.
Part 2 - Art Example
In El Diablo es Una Mujer, Alejandro challenges the patriarchal norms embedded in Puerto Rican culture. The Vejigante Mask, a prominent feature in Carnaval celebrations traditionally worn by men, symbolizes specific cultural roles associated with masculinity. By placing the mask on a woman, Alejandro subverts these gendered expectations, encouraging conversations about the reclamation of power by women in historically male-dominated spaces. Alejandro’s artwork is not just an act of cultural critique but also an invitation to reimagine gender roles and narratives of empowerment. This aligns with the broader theme in her work of confronting status quo assumptions and exploring personal and collective identity.
In contrast, Josefina Fernández Morán’s series Tati focuses on the personal dynamics between mother and daughter. Through portrait photography, Fernández Morán captures her mother, Tati, in reflective, cinematic moments. One portrait, where Tati gazes off while holding a cigarette, symbolizes the complexity of human emotions and relationships. Fernández Morán’s use of photography as a way to process her feelings highlights how art can be a tool for understanding loved ones and deepening personal connections. Her work invites viewers to contemplate the emotional depth and volatility present in family bonds, particularly those between mothers and daughters.
Joe Chris - please upload your images instead of pasting them. They are not showing up on the blog.
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