[Robert Cumming]

The subject of this month’s poll was prompted by an email received from Peter Smith of London who writes:

"Am I the only one who finds museum curators who write the notice boards for displays and exhibitions too often unbearably arrogant and self-satisfied?

As someone whose interest in art is purely for personal enjoyment, I’m either amused or enraged by the pomposity with which they (the curators) say “what we see here is ….” or “what the artist expresses is ….”

“We”? Who is this “we”? Very often I read these notices and think: “Don’t include me please! I see nothing of the sort. What I see is completely different”. But is my view valued, or even seen as equally correct? Does it count for anything?

I grant you that maybe the curator is trying to summarise what the artist is trying to express, but often (and especially in contemporary art) the artist’s attempt is, for me, a lamentable or courageous failure. Will these curators admit to the possibility of failure? Never!

So could we have a bit of curatorial humility please?"


So what do you think? Are those members of the public who gain great enjoyment through art but are not afraid to draw their own conclusions about what they see any match for the curatorial elite? Or is this a members-only club?

[richard Stephens]

It doesn't seem unreasonable for curators to consider the items they're describing to be successful works of art. After all, curators may themselves have purchased the work, or else chosen it for display from another institution. Why would they do this if they thought of them as 'lamentable or courageous failures'?

It would also make language rather laborious if everyone had to preface everything they say with "What I'm about to say is merely my opinion..."

Surely it is the job of a curator to guide - for those who wish to be guided - the viewer through a display / exhibition?

Having said all this, curators' commentaries can often seem rather remote from the viewer's everyday vocabulary, the viewer's motivations for visiting the gallery, the viewer's prior knowledge of artists and art concepts.

I think very many people lack self-confidence when visiting museums. If not, why would your correspondent become enraged by the otherwise irrelevant comments of a faceless curator, which one can very easily simply walk past? Wny need anyone question whether their own views are 'equally correct' or valued, when of course they are? The answer is: because visitors do want guidance, but they feel rather sensitive, in the rarefied atmosphere of a museum, about being talked down to.

Richard Stephens, London

[Situk Daneworld]

so many words
i`d say i woul just choose a curator, as he\she can point me to the things i`d never mention. and if i want to spend more time, looking at the art...i will come to the place again.
that is it i think.
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[John Daughtry]

totally agree with Peter, whom I btw know personally

Are those members of the public who gain great enjoyment through art but are not afraid to draw their own conclusions about what they see any match for the curatorial elite?

of course not, it should be public with it's every inch
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[Chicana gauvin]

I totally agree with Situk!!! I would like to choose a curator. If I don't know anything he will show me and explain me what I need. At any time I can come thare again and I enjoy art again!!

[sam jacob]

yea i totally agree with you. Curator is very important as he will be able to help you with thing u dint know.

[Mike Smith]

Art lovers really don't need to be told what's what and are more than capable of making up their own mind.


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I'm an entrepreneur and art lover working for http://www.local-sex-dating.com/home/sex-dating/

[Steve Jones]

I have to admit that it is a members only club but i think that it should go public myself. Only time will tell. Thanks for the great topic that you have posted, no wonder quite a few people have replied to this thread, it's no surprise.

I do love art as it is a great way to express yourself in a unique kind of way. Some drawings and paintings really get your attention and mean something special to you.

Thanks again.

[dave smith]

Yes, i totally agree. Paintings and arcchitecture area great thing in life, and should be appreciated by all! http://sexinuk.dating-central.net/Member/Landing/Index.asp

[mike jones]

I think a creator in this field would be extremely helpful, and overall in the architecture and paintings arena.

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[jack robinson]

yes, I’ll chose curators because she or he only can teach me what i need t do and how to do and curators are extremely helpful in this field and with the help of them you can enhance your performance too.....

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[John Davis]

I totally agreet with Peter.

Curator has a great help in this field.



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I love arts, architecture and dating. It's my first startup company in the uk dating market http://www.shagarena.com/

[Laura Ashcroft]

He he i have to agree with Peter too, those museum curators can be sooo anoying some times!

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[dave smith]

I think every painting and all aspects of art should be cherished.

www.topix.com/forum/uk/derby/T6JE0SCR1GAP9OCC5

[dave smith]

Everything the OP has stated is correct. People should show their appreciation in this field.

www.topix.com/forum/uk/bristol/TQLV8KOFVII650HNV