Table Topics: “The Practice of Curating”
Our table hosts Beatrice von Bismarck (Academy of Visual Arts Leipzig) and Menno Fitski (Rijksmuseum Amsterdam) will be up for discussion about theoretical and practical aspects of Curating at their table The Practice of Curating.
According to Beatrice von Bismarck, curatorially changing the presentation of art and artifacts – quite apart from whether this occurs in the form of a long-term museum display or in short-term, temporary exhibitions- always goes hand in hand with reconfiguration. Dislocations and relocations, additions and commentaries bring exhibits into modified relations with other exhibits, displays, spaces, people, institutions and discourses. In being re-contextualized, all these elements are subjected to alterations with respect not only to their aesthetic significance but also to their meaning in social, economic, or political terms. Bismarck’s presentation will follow some of these dimensions using the presentation of an European archive of anthropological photography in India as its starting point.
The design of the display of the Asian pavilion of the Rijksmuseum has offered an opportunity to start afresh in the way the public is introduced to Asian art. The aesthetic qualities of the objects are central, states Menno Fitski.

Two Temple Guardians (photo: daryl_mitchell under CC BY 2.0)
In what ways can a display emphasise this approach? How can the use of space connect visitors and art objects? How can we engage with visitors using only 60 words per label? Do visitors need to learn anything, and if so, what?