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Curator: Nessia Pope

About The Curator

Nessia Pope is an Artspace Curator with more than 20 years of curatorial experience.

About The Collection

Often I am asked what a curator does (the word curator comes from the Latin curare, which means “to take care of” or “conserve”). Although many curators prefer the word “organize” to "curate," they all do the same thing: They look at art. They talk to artists. They have a vision. A curator of contemporary art identifies changes occurring in artistic production at a moment in time and reveals how these changes enrich the comprehension of aesthetics. More specifically, a curator unites information and creates connections, often through a distinctive point of view and, ideally, with intelligence and creativity. Mostly, a curator tries to pass on to the public the thrill of discovery.

I selected these works with an idea in mind, derived from a 1972 Lawrence Weiner phrase: “NOISE MADE VERY SOFTLY.” When I read these words on the wall of a Chelsea gallery, they made me think of how a work of art doesn’t have to scream to be effective, how a subtle moment can move you beyond your own expectations and do what art does best, which is to create an emotional bond with the viewer.

The artworks presented in this collection are all original, meaning they were not editioned. A selection of sculptures, drawings, paintings, and unique photographs, they all enriched my aesthetic experience. They are quiet moments of creativity.

Curator Q&A

1. Do you buy art?
Editions, mainly photographs. I belong to the 99%....

2. But photographs are not cheap! A Gursky was sold at a record 4.3 million dollars at the auctions, this fall.
Let’s say I don’t buy Gurskys! But there are many great photographs in larger editions and they are more affordable and of very good quality.

3. What is your routine when you look at art?
I make a list—art galleries, museum shows, outdoor installations, architecture—and try to stick to it. But I always get sidetracked. So much happens when you are walking in New York! I am more focused when travelling.

4. Any new artist you recommend?
David Adamo, better keep an eye on him. I had seen his work at the 2010 Greater New York survey at PS1 and at the last Whitney Biennial. And also a young photographer called Matt Jensen. The Met just bought one of his works. It is called The 49 States and it has 49 photographs total, one for each state, measuring 18'' x 18''. The 49 images form a large square that is connected to the format of old Kodak Tourister cameras from the 1950s.