While the common understanding of influence is that it manifests as a cause that affects something ahead, influence does not necessarily follow a linear, progressive trajectory. At times, something is influential precisely because it allows for a better understanding of the past. Hence, the importance of history: as much as it is a base to ground ideas, a base from forms of content may stem, even nomenclature, the past is also something to be changed and re-worked. In this view, an influential experience may have a conceptual effect, not solely lead to a material result.  The most basic form way this multivalent type of movement can be triggered is considering something experienced recently that helped articulate something done in the past. Here’s a question that can initiate such reflexive exercise: How does history itself appear in your practice (e.g. as a thing of the past, a concern of the present, an imaginary of the future, for example)?

The purpose of this workshop is to identify influential curatorial projects, artistic practices, and programming initiatives organized by others, at different time periods and in different social contexts than our own. The plan is to articulate relationships between historic curatorial projects with those elaborated today. First, Sofía Hernández Chong Cuy will present a handful of projects that have helped her shape forms of content, some of which have been curatorial projects presented beyond the conventions of gallery display. Then, a workshop will be held where the workshop participants present a series of case studies for group discussion. These two sessions will explore how certain artistic and curatorial practices have proven to be both relevant to the field and personally influential.

Participants in this curatorial workshop will explore the relevance of historic exhibitions or curatorial projects at large, experienced first-hand or through concentrated research, and deliberate on how these have proven to be influential to their own practice. For the purpose of this workshop, a historic exhibition or project means any public presentation of art and culture held between 1989 to the present, including permanent collection shows, art biennials, temporary gallery displays, solo or group exhibitions, as well as programming series and curatorial initiatives with forms alternative to displays or taking place at atypical sites for art.

Open to all backgrounds and levels. Applicants with strong interest in history, art history, and curatorial studies are encouraged to apply.

Seminar fee waived for Ateneo alumni, students, and past shortlisted and AAA recipients.

Sofía Hernández Chong Cuy’s ESKWELA programme is supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands.