The recent task for me was to check the collections of traditional crafts donated by Cultural Heritage Administration, Korea. We have got around 40 traditional crafts which are highly valuable. The job I was asked from our headquater in Korea seems to be described as a job of registrar and conservator. I should provide the condition of the crafts by sending the photo of them how they are stored or exhibited. I assume that this kind of regular checking of the crafts condition is very important and necessary to conserve the crafts always in the best way. In addition, it also keep awaking us to seek a way to expose the stored works for the public in somehow in near future. This process also reminds me of the basic functions of a museum. It is not only exhibiting the artworks, but also conserving them.
Working in a small art institution provides us very diverse experiences because a (or two) staffs there should conduct various roles at the same time. The should curate a show, register the artworks, promote an exhibition, take care of the transport and insurance of the artworks, also conserve them, and so on. I think it is a good opportunity to learn the different roles at once, but at the same time I feel it is overwhelming job. To complete a good exhibition, curating a show itself is very big job. The more time and efforts you put in curating, the better show will come out at the end I reckon. I am sure many of you will agree with this. However, it seems small galleries and art organisations are just too busy with keeping up with their exhibition schedule. I know that different organisations have different characters. Some might want to have many shows in a year, but others would like to have good quality shows a few times in a year. I think galleries are able to keep open solely because of the enthusiasm of the gallery owners or staffs in the arts.
Yes, I mean we are doing very important job!!
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