Understanding art through the curator’s perspective
In the art world, the role of the curator is essential to ensuring that an exhibition has coherence, depth, and meaning. Although much of their work happens “behind the scenes,” curatorship is the conceptual core of any artistic exhibition. Through a series of intellectual, aesthetic, and logistical decisions, the curator builds a bridge between artworks, artists, and audiences.
Below, we explore in depth what curatorial work involves: its responsibilities, selection criteria, the process of building an exhibition, and its role in shaping visual narratives.
What does a curator do?
A curator is a professional specialised in art, art history, or cultural studies who is responsible for selecting, organising, conceptualising, and communicating the content of an art exhibition. Their work combines intellectual, creative, technical, and management-related skills.
Key responsibilities include:
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Developing the curatorial concept of an exhibition or collection.
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Selecting artworks that respond to a thematic, chronological, or conceptual framework.
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Creating dialogues between pieces, artists, and contexts.
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Writing curatorial texts, wall labels, and mediation materials.
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Overseeing exhibition installation and spatial layout.
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Collaborating with artists, institutions, designers, and exhibition architects.
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Taking part in the promotion, presentation, and critical analysis of the exhibition.
Ultimately, the curator orchestrates the visitor’s experience, guiding them through a visual narrative capable of engaging emotions, fostering learning, challenging assumptions, and provoking reflection.
Criteria for selecting artworks
One of the most delicate and crucial aspects of curatorial work is the selection of artworks. This decision is not based solely on aesthetic value, but on how each piece contributes to the exhibition’s overall discourse.
Common curatorial criteria include:
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Thematic relevance: the artwork must add meaning to the exhibition’s central concept.
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Historical or cultural value: especially important in heritage-focused or educational exhibitions.
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Formal coherence: style, technique, or format aligned with the exhibition’s visual consistency.
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Condition and conservation: essential in physical exhibitions to ensure safety and preservation.
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Availability: many works are on loan from collectors or institutions.
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Impact and diversity: aiming to represent different voices, aesthetics, and perspectives.
This process often involves extensive research, studio visits, archival review, and negotiations with public or private lenders.
How an exhibition is built
Once the artworks are selected, the curator begins shaping the exhibition as a complete experience. This involves several stages:
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Conceptualisation: defining the central theme, exhibition title, and intended message for visitors.
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Final selection: refining the list of works according to space, budget, and schedule.
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Curatorial script: structuring the exhibition into sections, routes, or thematic clusters.
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Spatial design: working with architects or exhibition designers to decide placement and flow.
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Installation: physically installing the works, ensuring proper lighting, circulation, and technical conditions.
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Content production: writing wall texts, catalogues, technical sheets, audiovisuals, or educational resources.
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Opening and mediation: curators often lead tours, give talks, or present the project to the public.
Every exhibition is, in essence, a staged expression of curatorial thinking—combining artistic sensitivity, academic rigour, and communication strategies.
Visual narrative and exhibition design
One of the curator’s most valuable contributions is the creation of a visual narrative: a way of telling stories through artworks, spatial relationships, and the visitor’s journey.
Curatorial design considers:
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The order and rhythm of the works—some striking, others inviting contemplation.
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The use of open or enclosed spaces, light, and colour.
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Viewing angles, distances, and points of focus.
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Thematic or chronological reading paths.
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Accessibility and clarity for diverse audiences.
A strong visual narrative transforms a simple sequence of artworks into an emotional and intellectual experience that leaves a lasting impression. The exhibition becomes a visual story with a beginning, development, and conclusion, where each work plays a specific expressive role within the whole.
Curatorial work is a multidisciplinary practice that requires aesthetic sensitivity, critical thinking, cultural insight, and organisational skill. Thanks to curators, art becomes a living form of communication—capable of generating meaningful experiences for audiences. In today’s context, where exhibition formats extend into digital environments, curatorship continues to evolve, consolidating its role as a key discipline in the dialogue between art and society.