It seems like the art world has appropriated the idea of “curator” with galleries and art fairs getting commercialized and so focused on monetary gain… How does this show stand up to that, and how can it continue to do so? Do you have plans to do another project on this subject?
To us, it seems like everything now is “curated,” a “carefully” and “tastefully” “elite” selection of goods, and services—everything from coffee to closets; and this should probably come as no surprise under such an onslaught of consumer capitalist culture. On one level, then, the idea of having multiple curators could neutralize, we hope, the idea of the elite voice of one CURATOR, particularly in emphasizing not the idea of the curator as a selection mechanism, but the curator as a relationship. That is what we tried to do with Muse Muse—to emphasize the relationship between curator and artist as a symbiotic and inspirational one that goes both ways, that goes all ways.
We loved working with so many people who each brought us into their intimate worlds and relationships, and we hope that this is clear to the viewer of the show. When one looks at the works in the show, what we hope they see is not only the work itself, but some ethereal hint of the essence of the artist and curator. Each is showing the viewer who they are, each is letting us all in. It is a privilege to see beyond any veil, and we hope that this may be what is special about art (or literature or poetry); it goes beyond the surface, it gets inside. Going forward, we look to get inside, always get inside.
During the opening, several young women were deeply touched by Theresa Chromati’s paintings and were overheard discussing with the artist her work and what they meant, almost in tears—they were tears of identification, not sadness. It was a powerful moment, one brought forth not only by the work itself, but by the relationship of Richie and Theresa. That is the Muse Muse…Muse.
Your press release is so poetic, and it really emphasizes the inspiration you got from language, and the music to the word “muse”. Do you think that this concept can be carried over to other mediums? (music, writing, design, whatever…)
Definitely. Between you and us…muse muse, amuse a muse, a muse muse crawls over miu miu to erode an old-fashioned (tired) patriarchal vision of artist and muse to grow stronger on the absolute absence of Harvey Weinstein and ilk (fuck them…no, not reallyJ).
I know you referenced early 1900’s politics, but did current politics play a part in putting together this show?
Absolutely. We are tired of power and money and exploitation. Really tired of exploitation, money, and power.
