AOTCE: Can you tell us exactly what a curator does?
JC: A curator creates an art exhibition with an idea in mind and then ask the artists whose work would fit within that idea to participate.
As a curator, I am part of the exhibition committee at the Detroit Artists Market. The last show I curated was titled “Now and Then: Artists Contemplate the Summer of 1967.” The show was held 4/28-5/27/2017. Here is an article on the show http://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/arts/2017/04/27/detroit-artists-market-detroit-1967/100983994/ and the Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/1067831419982984/.
AOTCE: How do you as an artist approach curating? What is the process and how do you go about selecting artist for an art shows?
JC: I see curating in two ways. First, it’s creating a new work based around an idea like a collage. Second, curating is my way of asking questions and exploring the world we live in through our artists. Selecting artist for a show is very difficult for me. I hope to build a show that expresses differ perspectives when shown together. Hopefully, the viewer comes away with something new.
AOTCE: Is there ever a conflict between being an artist and being a curator?
JC: I don’t find any conflicts between being an artist and a curator, but I am extremely careful about boundaries. I focus intensely on finding the right artists and art for the theme of a show I’m curating. A lot of time I know some of the artists, but I’m always trying to find and showcase new and different voices. I am very much aware of the risk of a curator being perceived as including only or primarily that curator’s friends. I don’t ever want people to think that I invite artists to a show for any reason other than that their work brings a valuable perspective to the particular show. Where it’s challenging is the reality that I know so many artists in the Detroit area and I worry that someone’s feelings will be hurt if not selected. But I take a long time putting shows together, and I talk to a tremendous number of people in the process, trying to make sure everyone understands the focus of the show. So far, that approach has avoided any serious problems.
AOTCE: At this point in your career how many art shows have you curated and do you have a favorite?
JC: I’ve curated about 17 shows over the past 7 years. Like children, I don’t really have a favorite. They all have been part of my evolution as a curator. After my previous show, I’m hoping to explore humor in Detroit for my next show.
AOTCE: Do you curate exclusively for the Detroit Artists Market?
JC: Currently yes. I only curate for the Detroit Artists Market.
AOTCE: If an artist wanted to submit to a show how would they go about it or is Artists Market strictly for members only?
JC: The Detroit Artists Market has multiple opportunities for member artists from our Biennial All Media Show to our Summer Show (which just opened}. The Artists Market is a nonprofit organization and asks artists to join the organization through different membership options. An artist membership is $35.00 a year. Here is the membership page: http://www.detroitartistsmarket.rg/membership/ndex. Also, there is a young collector option for $25.00.
AOTCE: How can your art be seen?
JC: I have a presence on Instagram http://ink361.com/app/users/ig-4173978026/jeffcancelosi/photos and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jeffsusan.cancelosi/about. I am best known for my images of the artists of Detroit. I created these images because I am interested in including all the artists of Detroit on my Facebook social media.
AOTCE: Do you photograph just Detroit artists?
JC: I photograph all artists who visit or show in Detroit, including artists who were from Detroit but have moved elsewhere. I’m interested in Detroit’s art history and I am open to suggestions!
AOTCE: Thank you Jeff for letting AOTCE readers learn a little bit about you and what you do.
Jeff Cancelosi: My pleasure.