2020-2021 Curatorial Fellow
WetLab
A New Center for Art-Science Scholarship & Curatorial Practice
Led by Professors Eugenia Kisin and Karen Holmberg
NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study, New York, NY
https://wp.nyu.edu/gallatinwetlab/
@wetlab_artscicollective
PHREATIC!
How do we connect to the many bodies that carry and create us?
PHREATIC! was the inaugural teaching exhibition of WetLab, an emerging art-science collective and curatorial laboratory at New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study. Working within the bones of a domestic interior, eight interdisciplinary artists explored symbiotic ecologies and eruptive encounters. Delving into the worlds that live within other worlds, the artists investigated multispecies interactions and earthliness at points of disruption. The exhibition was housed within the New York Virtual Volcano Observatory; like volcanic eruptions, the processes and cycles that the artists explored generate both destruction and renewal.
Works by Brock Riggins and Taylor Burkhead explore contaminated and conflicted landscapes across ecological and cultural histories, while Annick Saralegui works with microbes and the visual languages of bacterial pigments and DNA to convey climate crises and fermented ecologies. Aleyna Weitzner, Rhea Barve, and Kris Waymire present works that illuminate the intimate homes within nests, shells, and other natural vessels. Jack Helfrich and Emma Waddell create sound art and interactive virtual landscapes to bring forward patterns of symbiosis.
We invite you to sense, wonder, and enjoy the unfolding investigations that reside in this house.
Works by Brock Riggins and Taylor Burkhead explore contaminated and conflicted landscapes across ecological and cultural histories, while Annick Saralegui works with microbes and the visual languages of bacterial pigments and DNA to convey climate crises and fermented ecologies. Aleyna Weitzner, Rhea Barve, and Kris Waymire present works that illuminate the intimate homes within nests, shells, and other natural vessels. Jack Helfrich and Emma Waddell create sound art and interactive virtual landscapes to bring forward patterns of symbiosis.
We invite you to sense, wonder, and enjoy the unfolding investigations that reside in this house.
– Ayaka Fujii and Ellie New
Fellowship work scope
Developed a year-long collaborative curatorial practice with co-curator Ayaka Fujii
Collaborated to determine curatorial frameworks and processes focused on care, deep listening, slow looking, and embodied knowledge; Coordinated exhibition project management; Performed and shared research on art-science field, artists’ works, and curatorial theory.
Assisted with an NYU Gallatin Tutorial course
Led bi-weekly hybrid meetings; Advised students’ creative projects individually and in groups; Contributed to course syllabus on art-science and ecological artmaking.
Co-curated a multidisciplinary exhibition of students’ artworks
Managed exhibition budget; Coordinated material and equipment needs; Oversaw exhibition design; Wrote didactic texts and developed signage.
Produced public programming
Planned and executed a Covid-safe closing celebration that included live music, artist-led activities, refreshments, and exhibition tours.
Publicized the exhibition
Collaborated with student graphic designer to develop digital and print assets; Built WordPress and Squarespace web platforms; Generated Instagram content and engagement; Wrote publicity texts; Extended invitations to key community members and groups.
Developed digital and print exhibition catalog
Collaborated with graphic designer to produce catalog; Wrote and edited curatorial essay with co-curator. Find the digital version here (link coming soon).