March 29, 2024
Updated May 12, 2025
17 minute read
A curator is a professional responsible for assembling, caring for, interpreting, and exhibiting collections of objects, artworks, or historical artifacts. This role is crucial in shaping how we understand and interact with cultural heritage. Curators are storytellers and researchers, bridging the gap between objects and the public, and bringing context and meaning to collections.
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Reading list
We've selected some books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Curator.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the complex question of what constitutes contemporary art. Terry Smith examines the various forces and individuals who shape its definition, including artists, critics, curators, and the market. It's an excellent starting point for gaining a broad understanding of the field and is often used in academic settings.
A classic text on the social and political implications of visual representation. It examines how images are produced, consumed, and interpreted, and how they reflect and shape our understanding of the world.
Is widely considered a standard text for understanding modern Chinese history, covering the period from the late Ming dynasty to the late 20th century. It provides a strong narrative and is often used as a textbook in undergraduate programs. It is particularly useful for gaining a broad understanding of the transformations that shaped contemporary China.
Another important work by Frank Dikötter, this book examines the tumultuous years of the Cultural Revolution. It provides a comprehensive history of this period of intense social and political upheaval, offering valuable insights into its causes and consequences. It is highly relevant for understanding modern China.
Engages with contemporary debates about the nature of historical truth, objectivity, and the role of the historian. It directly addresses challenges posed by postmodernism and cultural relativism. It is highly relevant for understanding contemporary topics and controversies in historical research and is valuable for advanced students and scholars.
Provides a detailed and harrowing account of the Great Famine during the Mao era. It crucial read for understanding a dark period of contemporary Chinese history and the impact of political policies on the population. This book offers depth on a specific, important topic.
Provides a sweeping history of China's path to modernity, starting from the late Qing dynasty and continuing to the present day under Xi Jinping. It analyzes the key events and transformations that have shaped modern China, making it highly relevant for understanding contemporary issues. Its recent publication date ensures coverage of the latest developments.
A comprehensive overview of the history of art from ancient times to the present day. It provides a broad understanding of the major movements, artists, and works of art that have shaped the development of visual arts.
Based on his Trevelyan Lectures, Carr's book provocatively examines the relationship between the historian and the facts, arguing that historical facts are not objective but are selected and interpreted by the historian. This classic text that challenges readers to think critically about the nature of historical knowledge and is crucial for developing a broad understanding of historiography and the philosophy of history.
Collection of essays on performance art from a variety of perspectives.
A comprehensive history of Western art from ancient times to the present day. It provides a detailed overview of the major movements, artists, and works of art that have shaped the development of visual arts in the West.
Evans's response to postmodernist critiques of history defends the possibility of objective historical knowledge. It significant contribution to contemporary debates about the nature and validity of historical research. must-read for understanding the challenges and defenses of historical practice today.
A comprehensive history of visual arts, covering a wide range of periods, styles, and cultures. It provides a broad overview of the major movements, artists, and works of art that have shaped the development of visual arts.
This single-volume history offers a comprehensive overview of Chinese history from its earliest beginnings to the present day. It provides a good foundation for those new to the subject, covering major dynasties and key events in an accessible manner. It serves as excellent background reading for any Chinese history course.
Explores key themes and ideas prevalent in contemporary art since 1980. It helps to organize the diverse landscape of contemporary art into understandable categories, making it easier to grasp the motivations and subjects artists engage with. It is often used as a textbook and is highly relevant for understanding the core concerns of contemporary artists.
An introduction to the study of visual culture, exploring the ways in which images and visual media shape our understanding of the world.
Part of the Harvard History of Imperial China series, this book focuses specifically on the Qing dynasty, China's last imperial dynasty. It offers a detailed examination of the political, social, and economic history of this crucial period, which laid the groundwork for modern China.
Offers a comprehensive overview of the aims, methods, and evolving trends in modern historiography. It is particularly useful for providing a broad understanding of the diverse approaches within historical research and how the field has developed over time. It can serve as a core text for undergraduate and graduate students.
This comprehensive anthology provides a deep dive into the theory, method, and application of oral history. It covers key debates, practical issues, and diverse examples from around the world. It is essential for those looking to deepen their understanding of this specific and increasingly vital historical research method and standard reference in the field.
Focuses on socially engaged art, examining practices that prioritize dialogue and interaction within communities. Given the course mentions of activism and social movements, Kester's work provides a critical framework for understanding this important area of contemporary art. It's highly relevant for those interested in the social and political dimensions of contemporary art.
Rosalind Krauss highly influential art historian and critic. This collection of essays includes her seminal text "Sculpture in the Expanded Field," which redefined how we understand sculptural practice in the late 20th century. is essential for a deeper theoretical understanding of the shifts in art from modernism to postmodernism.
Offers a concise interpretive history of the revolutionary periods in modern China, from the Taiping Rebellion to the present. It provides a framework for understanding the forces that have shaped contemporary China through a lens of revolution and change. Published recently, it offers a current scholarly perspective.
This in-depth work focuses on the history of imperial China from the Five Dynasties to the high Qing. It comprehensive and authoritative text, often used in upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses. While detailed, it is essential for a deeper understanding of the later imperial period.
Examines the historical pattern of conflict when a rising power challenges a ruling power, applying this framework to the current relationship between the United States and China. It provides a contemporary analysis of potential future trajectories based on historical precedents.
This comprehensive survey traces the development of historical writing from antiquity to the present day. It provides essential background knowledge on the evolution of historical thought and methodology, deepening the reader's understanding of the intellectual lineage of historical research. It standard text in historiography courses.
An updated and expanded survey of modern historiography in a global context. is excellent for understanding the diverse traditions and developments in historical writing across different cultures and regions, highlighting contemporary trends and perspectives.
Another volume in the Harvard History of Imperial China series, this book explores the foundational Qin and Han dynasties. It is essential for understanding the establishment of unified imperial rule and the key developments of early Chinese civilization.
Offers a comprehensive survey of contemporary art from a global perspective, with a particular focus on art from Africa and the diaspora. Okwui Enwezor was a highly respected curator and scholar, making thvaluable resource for understanding the increasingly global nature of contemporary art. It provides a broader geographical scope than many other surveys.
Offers a lively introduction to historical methodology and source criticism, focusing on how historians evaluate and interpret historical materials. It is excellent for building a broad understanding of the critical skills required in historical research, particularly for working with primary sources. It is often used as a textbook.
Offers a visually rich and accessible introduction to Chinese history. It covers major periods and themes with the aid of illustrations, making it a good starting point for those seeking a broad understanding. It can be particularly helpful for high school and undergraduate students.
Delves into the history of the Tang dynasty, often considered a golden age of Chinese history. It examines the political, cultural, and social aspects of this cosmopolitan era, providing a deeper understanding of a flourishing period.
Focusing on the Song dynasty, this book explores the significant social, economic, and intellectual transformations of the period, including the maturation of Neo-Confucianism. It highlights a dynamic era of Chinese history.
This provocative work argues for the continued relevance of long-term historical perspectives in addressing contemporary global challenges. It advocates for a more engaged and public-facing history. is highly relevant to contemporary discussions about the purpose and application of historical research in the 21st century.
A practical guide specifically focused on the process of conducting research in archives. It covers everything from locating archives to navigating finding aids and handling documents. is invaluable for deepening one's understanding of a crucial aspect of historical research and useful reference tool for anyone working with archival collections.
Sarah Thornton provides an ethnographic look at the different subcultures that constitute the contemporary art world, from auctions to art schools and biennials. offers a fascinating and accessible insight into the social and economic structures surrounding contemporary art. It's a great read for understanding the ecosystem in which contemporary art operates.
A comprehensive guide to the use of color and light in painting, covering topics such as color theory, values, and composition.
Serves as an excellent foundational text for anyone beginning historical research. It provides clear, step-by-step guidance on the entire research and writing process, including working with sources, structuring arguments, and citing correctly. It is commonly used as a textbook in undergraduate history programs and valuable reference tool for solidifying an understanding of basic historical methods.
This compelling memoir tells the story of three generations of women in China, from the early 20th century through the Cultural Revolution and beyond. It offers a deeply personal perspective on the dramatic changes in Chinese history, providing a humanistic dimension to historical events.
A classic survey of Chinese civilization, this book offers a broad perspective on the historical and cultural development of China from ancient times to the modern era. It valuable resource for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, providing a strong historical context.
In this book, Hal Foster examines the relationship between contemporary art, criticism, and the state of emergency. It offers a critical perspective on recent developments in art and its engagement with contemporary social and political issues. It's a valuable resource for understanding current critical discourse.
Hans Belting examines contemporary art within a global context, moving beyond a purely Western-centric view. is valuable for understanding the diverse perspectives and influences shaping contemporary art worldwide. It offers a broader, more inclusive understanding of the field.
Arthur Danto's provocative work argues for a shift in the trajectory of art history with the advent of contemporary art. is crucial for understanding the philosophical underpinnings of contemporary art and how it diverges from previous art historical narratives. It is considered a classic text that provides a deep theoretical understanding.
Gaddis, a renowned Cold War historian, reflects on the nature of historical knowledge and the challenges of interpreting the past. offers a thoughtful perspective on the historian's craft and can deepen a reader's understanding of the interpretive nature of historical work. It is valuable for graduate students and professionals.
This comprehensive sourcebook provides a collection of primary texts by artists, critics, and theorists. It's an invaluable resource for accessing original writings and manifestos that have shaped contemporary art discourse. is excellent for in-depth research and understanding the artists' perspectives firsthand.
This volume covers the Yuan and Ming dynasties, examining the impact of Mongol rule and the subsequent restoration of Han Chinese rule. It explores the challenges and developments of these important periods in Chinese history.
A widely used guide to research methods across disciplines, including history. It provides practical advice on formulating research questions, finding and evaluating sources, and writing research papers. offers a solid framework for conducting rigorous research and valuable reference for students at all levels.
This introductory text provides an overview of contemporary China, covering its economy, society, politics, and international relations. It is designed for those new to the subject and offers essential information for understanding China today. It serves as a useful reference for current topics.
Drawing on his extensive experience, Henry Kissinger provides a historical analysis of China's foreign policy and its relationship with the West. is particularly relevant for understanding China's role in contemporary global affairs and its historical diplomatic approaches. It offers a high-level perspective on recent history.
Explores the future of performance art.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
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