CURATORIAL
Blue Genes - It's Still Life
ArtSpace Chicago
March 1 - 22, 2024
Blue Genes – It’s Still Life investigates the collision of the uncertainty, vulnerability, alienation and resilience experienced upon a life-changing genetic diagnosis.
In 2022, genetic testing indicated the BRCA1 (BReast CAncer) gene mutation was present in Ashley Baranczyk’s genome. The strong presence of this gene mutation in her family indicates their increased risk of developing breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer. As Ashley navigates the complex terrain of her own genetic code, her artwork becomes a visual exploration of self in hopes of finding solace, inspiration, and a sense of shared humanity.
Role: Curator
Responsibilities: Conducting research, consulting with artist on photo construction techniques, developing walkthrough and floor plan, creating checklist and pricing schedule.
Image Credits: All works by Ashley Baranczyk
Does the Art Excuse the Accused?
Columbia College Chicago Student Center / The Hokin Gallery
Apr 8 – May 14, 2021
Does the Art Excuse the Accused? Consuming Culture in the #MeToo Era challenges us to reassess our praise for so-called genius or celebrity artists in a time when creatives are held more accountable for their actions. In the #MeToo era, social media platforms provide first-hand accounts of sexual assault and misconduct, forcing consumers to reconsider the musicians, directors, artists, and other creatives they admire.
The exhibition further explores triggering topics such as sexual abuse, #MeToo allegations, and the agency women have over their image. Works by contemporary artists such as the Guerrilla Girls and Michelle Hartney highlight how they are working to flip the script on the lack of representation of women & their stories in the art historical canon.
IN THE NEWS Does the Art Excuse the Accused? was recently the subject of an op-ed piece in the Chicago Sun-Times “Why I can’t cancel Harry Potter” and also featured in the Columbia Chronicle: New gallery asks viewers, ‘Does the Art Excuse the Accused?
Role: Curator
Responsibilities: Researched emerging trends in museum discourse. Interviewed artists. Created budget, schedules, and marketing strategy.
Image Credits: Valentina Sol Pucarelli, courtesy of the Columbia Chronicle
Anchor Graphics: 25 Years of Printmaking
The Hokin Gallery
Oct 17 – Jan 24, 2020
The exhibition celebrates Anchor Graphics’ work as an important center for printmaking and their ten-year partnership with Columbia College Chicago. The exhibition features artworks created through two of Anchor Graphics’ central programs: Published Editions, where artists collaborated with Master Printers David Jones and Chris Flynn; and the Artist in Residence program, which provided uninterrupted studio access to printmakers from all over the United States.
Role: Gallery Manager
Responsibilities: Conducted installation workshops, led teams of students.
Go Down Moses presents a reinterpretation of the MoCP’s permanent collection that can be understood as a visual tone poem of contemporary America, exploring elemental themes of movement, chaos, freedom, and hope. In doing so, Cole uses the photographic archive to interweave the past and present, suggesting an aesthetic approach to understanding the current psyche.
Role: Curatorial Assistant
Responsibilities: Managing exhibition checklist of 180+ artworks. Matting, framing and installing works. Conducted condition reporting of artworks.
Go Down Moses
The Museum of Contemporary Photography
Jul 18 – Sept 29, 2019
Setting the Stage: Objects of the Chicago Theatre
The Design Museum of Chicago
June 29 – Jan 5, 2019
Setting the Stage celebrates the myriad ways design is employed in stage productions. Using objects on loan from dozens of Chicago theatres, this exhibit will emphasized the diversity, depth, and breadth of theatres in the city and explored how words are translated by designers into a production. Design in theatre can take many forms, including costumes, lights, sound, props, and sets, among countless other examples.
Role: Curatorial Intern
Responsibilities: Created two interactive activities for K-12 visitors. Researched and contributed to database in collaboration with DCASE. Assisted curator in installation of exhibition. Constructing wall frame design.
Image Credit: The Design Museum of Chicago