Learning the Ropes: Curating a History of Photography Rotation

This post is written by Candice Yates, a student in the Photographic Preservation and Collection Management master’s program.

When most people walk into a museum, they may not realize the behind the scenes planning and rigorous work involved in implementing an exhibition. Although I have some previous curatorial experience, co-curating the current moon-inspired rotation in the History of Photography Gallery taught me how to think critically in terms of conceptualizing an exhibition. Additionally it enlightened me to the many details necessary to consider in order to create a successful show.

The selection process for the show was exciting and informative, but also challenged me to think objectively. Under the direction of Lisa Hostetler, curator-in-charge of the Department of Photography, I searched the museum’s database to find works I felt best fit the show’s moon theme. While no real restrictions were given, we were encouraged to consider works that could speak to the broader history of photography and to make sure we could defend our choices. I soon realized that it was not enough to simply like my choice; I needed to provide a convincing arrangement for it.

For example, while examining multiple and relatively similar, NASA photographs taken on the moon with the aid of the Lunar Orbiter, I needed to think, ask myself questions, and engage in discussion with my fellow curators. I asked myself which of the works were more complementary to other photographs under consideration. I also asked myself which of the works were more instructive in terms of teaching us about the moon and the moon landing.

Co-curating this History of Photography rotation educated me that details truly matter when creating an exhibition; from the gallery wall color to the precise spacing between each work and their wall labels. It was truly eye opening to participate in the many facets of the planning process, as well as observe the many museum departments that worked harmoniously in order to complete the rotation. I realize now that an idea can only go so far without the cooperation of a museum as a whole.