Ross Van Horn, a curator for six years, tells Anjellah Owino all about it.
Who is a curator?
My view, and this is a very personal one, is that a curator is a collaborator, friend and advocate for an artist. In this relationship, the artist creates a work while the curator offers guidance in the presentation of the artistic collections. The artist and curator can arrange for a relationship that can either be contractual or negotiable depending on their preference.
How does one become a curator?
There are many ways to become a curator. Traditionally it is not something that a person can pursue through education. Not many countries offer a curatorial course. I did my bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts at the California College of the Arts.
After I completed my education, I began working at galleries as a curator. From then my engagement with the arts has been through artist training, coaching, and management. But before all this, I possessed curatorial skills on the basis of being an artist.
Why should an artist seek the assistance of a curator?
Many artists feel they lack growth because they cannot market their artworks and are left at the mercy of business dealers. They need somebody who cares about their art for them to make an earning through it.
What about those who hold exhibitions, should they have a curator for a successful exhibitions?
Artists can decide whether to have a curator or not. Some artists do their own show successfully. On the other hand there are those who do not work with a curator and the show is flops. What I found to be true is that artists who pay little focus to their art making and largely focus on taking up the responsibilities of a curator for their own show, putting their art at risk.
How do you choose an artist you want to work with?
I engage with an artist I really feel connection with and the artistry. I am also connected with art that is visually appealing, speaks about the human condition, and does not hold any clichés. I am interested in a contemporary art that has a global feel to them though there is nothing wrong with an artist embracing a local touch to their artistry.
Tips for artists choosing a curator?
Artists should work with somebody who has their best interests in mind. They should look for somebody with whom they share the same voice and who will be their true advocate. Artists should also communicate their expectations with curators, always assess and reassess the relationship. They should also look for someone with a business acumen.
Who decides on the price of a piece of art?
There is no exact formula for the price of artworks. In many occasions, the price attached to an artwork is based on what the market is willing to pay for it. An artwork in New York are highly priced because the market is willing to spend high amount for it.
The artist is also a determining factor to the price of his or her artworks. When an artist is experienced and has attained global fame, the art community can out value the artist’s work.
What would you say about the curating industry in Kenya?
There are huge opportunities in Kenya because really the art scene is wide open. We can create what we want here. The pool of art collectors is tiny though. One challenge that we face here is that we have artists who create as many pieces that are African-oriented because the market demands that therefore we have few artists who want to do something different and things they truly love.
What makes you happy as a curator?
When I organise a successful exhibition. Also when an artist I work with excels to the extent that they no longer need to work with me.
How long have you been in Kenya?
I have been in Kenya since 2007. I moved here from the United States because Kenya, and the region, are growing. It is a great place to do business in the long run and to raise children who will be global citizens.
Any culture shock the first time you landed in Kenya?
Very little culture shock. It felt comfortable. I guess that is why I have stayed so long.
What do you in your free time?
I love hiking and any other outdoor activities.