"I always say that we live in an age of unfinishedness."
The quote implies that we are living in a time characterized by constant evolution, ongoing projects, and incompleteness. This could be interpreted as a reflection of our rapidly changing society, where innovation, development, and progress never truly reach an end point. It encourages us to embrace the fluidity and dynamism of our world, suggesting that our focus should be on the journey rather than the destination.
"Art is a way of thinking about the world, of dreaming and of questioning, but above all it's a way of engaging."
Hans-Ulrich Obrist's quote emphasizes that art serves as a tool for understanding, imagining, pondering, and interacting with the world around us. It suggests that art is more than just an aesthetic experience; it encourages thought, fosters dreams, and stimulates questions about our existence. Most importantly, it advocates engagement—not only with the artwork itself but also with ideas, people, and the larger societal context. Art, in this sense, is a powerful medium that connects individuals, cultures, and perspectives, inviting us to actively participate in shaping our collective narrative.
"We are living in an era of many simultaneities."
The quote suggests that the contemporary world is characterized by multiple, concurrent events, trends, ideas, or realities happening at the same time. This could refer to various cultural, technological, political, and social phenomena that intersect and influence each other in complex ways. As a result, understanding our world requires us to navigate this intricate tapestry of simultaneities, recognizing how they shape and are shaped by one another.
"The future will only come if we invent it."
This quote by Hans-Ulrich Obrist suggests that the future is not a predetermined or inevitable destination, but rather an outcome of our collective actions, ideas, and inventions. It encourages us to actively shape the course of events instead of passively waiting for the future to unfold. Essentially, it emphasizes the power we have to create and mold the future according to our own aspirations and innovations.
"I see curating as a collaborative act of discovery."
Hans-Ulrich Obrist, in this quote, views curation as a joint endeavor aimed at uncovering new discoveries. This means that curation is not just about arranging existing works, but it's also about exploring, researching, and collaborating with artists to bring forth fresh ideas and perspectives. In essence, he suggests that the act of curating art should be a cooperative process of learning and revelation, where both the curator and the artist grow together in their understanding and presentation of artistic expression.
Since 2000, I've been based in Paris at the Musee d'Art Moderne de la Ville, curating the programme there. Internationally, it's a very open situation that goes beyond national boundaries; directors and curators move from one country to another, which has opened up the museum landscape.
- Hans-Ulrich Obrist
I spent 250 to 300 days of every year on the road. But in the end, I felt something was missing. I needed to be anchored so I could concentrate, so in 2000, I established a new methodology - the one I use today. I spent the week in my office and travelled every weekend, even at Christmas.
- Hans-Ulrich Obrist
I met Gerhard Richter and Alighiero Boetti when I was a teenager, and I was really inspired by them. When Boetti died, I realized I only vaguely remembered so many things he told me. It was such a pity. Had I only recorded his voice, he would still be with me, and I could listen to it from time to time.
- Hans-Ulrich Obrist
Fly-in, fly-out curating nearly always produces superficial results; it's a practice that goes hand in hand with the fashion for applying the word 'curating' to everything that involves simply making a choice - radio playlists, hotel decor, even the food stalls in New York's High Line Park.
- Hans-Ulrich Obrist
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