Spotlight with Yi Chin Hsieh
Yi Chin Hsieh, Independent Curator, Miami, USA
Could you tell us a little more about your background and how you got into curating?
I am a Taiwanese curator currently based in Miami, Florida. My journey into the world of art began with a foundation in visual design, which eventually paved the way for my transition into curating. It all started when I had an incredible opportunity to work at Bamboo Curtain Studio, an artist residency in New Taipei City, where I served as an international artist relation coordinator intern. This eye-opening experience not only exposed me to the intricacies of exhibition production but also allowed me to witness the fascinating dynamics of collaboration with artists from diverse backgrounds. Viewing exhibitions from both an artist and a designer perspective profoundly shaped my approach as a curator.
Central to my curatorial practice is a keen focus on fostering collaboration and artistic exploration with artists. My research interests lie in curatorial methods, particularly with regard to exhibition forms, collectivism, and contemporary visual culture in the context of the current time. Moreover, my work strives to challenge conventional boundaries, aiming to blur the lines between the artist-as-curator and the curator-as-artist. Through these endeavors, I seek to communicate a compelling notion that bridges these roles and enriches the artistic landscape.
In addition to my curatorial practice, I am fully immersed in the art world as a dedicated professional. I actively collaborate with galleries and museums, predominantly in the realms of digital programming and digital collections. Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege of working alongside esteemed national institutions and organizations, including Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, the Harpo Foundation, the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum, as well as various private collections.
Who/what has influenced your curatorial practice?
My inspirations stem from various sources, but I find particular inspiration in diverse selections of reading materials and actively engaging with exhibitions and artworks/artists.
In shaping my curatorial thoughts and practice, the works of several classic writers and curators hold significant influence. Moreover, artists such as Fred Wilson and Andy Warhol, who adeptly utilized exhibitions as an art form, greatly inspire me. Additionally, the writings of art historians and curators, like Paul O’Neal and Terry Smith (whom I had the privilege of meeting at the 2022 IKT congress), have played pivotal roles in the development of my ideas and overall perspectives on the art world.
My background in visual design allows me to have a unique lens through which I can contemplate the overall presentation of artworks in the context of space, colors, and the relationships between the selected pieces. This multidimensional approach enhances my curatorial sensibilities and enriches the curation process.
The role of the curator is continuously changing. Could you describe what it means to be a curator today?
To me, being a curator is akin to being a good storyteller. As contemporary curators, we serve as vital information hubs, weaving connections between artists, artworks, and even transcending various fields. This unique role demands exceptional organizational skills, as we navigate through a vast sea of information, distilling and curating it into a cohesive and meaningful art experience for our audience. Through this process of curation, we present it in a way that resonates deeply with viewers, and ultimately shaping a narrative that captivates and inspires.
What’s next for you? What are your upcoming projects?
My upcoming project, The Dinner Party, explores the concept of exhibition as not just a display but as a dynamic art form and storytelling platform. Drawing from my cultural background in Taiwan, where meals hold deep significance as a means of bonding and expressing love, I find inspiration in the idea of "eating as bonding" within Asian culture. With this in mind, I aim to take the exhibition beyond the confines of white cubes and into the realm of dining tables.
My foremost interest lies in exploring the boundless potential of exhibitions. Rather than adhering to the traditional white-cube form, I seek to stretch and extend the concept, reimagining the exhibition experience. A key aspect of this endeavor is to ensure inclusivity and representation, which is why I am committed to inviting a diverse group of artists to participate, including artists of color, female-identified artists, queer-identified artists, and other minorities who represent various cultural backgrounds often overlooked and marginalized in the art world.
Through The Dinner Party, I will bring small groups of audience together to encounter the exhibition through a multi-sensory approach, involving looking, touching, hearing, and engaging in conversations with the artists during gathering events centered around food. This event-based project will also incorporate workshops and artist talks, facilitating in- depth discussions that explore the intricate relationship between different cultures and their connections to food and dining. By reimagining the exhibition as an immersive and inclusive experience, The Dinner Party aims to transcend conventional boundaries, enriching the audience's engagement with art and fostering meaningful connections between people and cultures.
What are you reading, watching, or listening to now, that is helping you to stay relaxed and positive?
I have been reading a lot of fiction novels in Mandarin recently. The language itself is a powerful catalyst, it enhances my ability to construct vivid and immersive mental landscapes for the stories I encounter. Moreover, these literary escapes have become a much-needed respite for my mind, they alleviate stress and induce a sense of relaxation. This helps making my reading journey an indispensable source of inspiration and mental renewal.
How long have you been part of IKT and how do you feel that it has benefited your curatorial practice?
My introduction to IKT took place during the Miami congress in 2019, where I had the honor of participating as a guest. I was privileged to become a member of IKT and attend the congress held in Kentucky last year. This remarkable experience proved to be transformative on both personal and professional levels. The community provided a unique platform for expanding my network, offering the chance to interact with a diverse and inspiring array of curators. Furthermore, I had the invaluable opportunity to connect with esteemed guest lecturers and engage with local and international artists. As an emerging curator, being part of this respectable group holds immense significance, allowing me to interact with curators whom I deeply admire and respect. Engaging in fruitful exchanges of ideas and past projects with peers has been immensely rewarding, while the extended platform provided by IKT has been instrumental in sharing my own projects and contributing to the broader curatorial discourse.
Thank you Yi Chin!
Learn more about Yi Chin Hsieh: Instagram
Spotlight
Spotlight is a new series of short interviews, aiming to showcase the diverse expertise and innovative approaches of our IKT members. Whether you're seeking inspiration or searching for potential partners, join us on this captivating journey as we uncover the stories, ideas, and creative visions of our members.
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