JUAN OMAR RODRIGUEZ: Assistant Curator

The Interpreter

Creation and interpretation of art may begin in one’s mind but are also impacted by innumerable external factors. Curators work with artists to guide their vision and help arrange its placement and presentation so audiences can connect. SJMA’s assistant curator, Juan Omar Rodriguez’s bachelor’s degree in neuroscience led him to focus on how humans interpret objects in a museum setting. He explains, “In my studies, I was focusing on sensation and perception, thinking about how people navigate the world using a variety of senses, not just visually or abstractly in mind.” Juan Omar thinks about how museum spaces can shape behavior. He explains, “There is a tension in seeing things you cannot touch. Thinking about space, not just the artwork itself, is an area I like to occupy in my work.”

As assistant curator, Juan Omar creates exhibitions, shapes SJMA’s permanent collection, and considers what pieces work. He shares, “I consider if a work makes sense within our institutions’ historical context and if we can properly frame it in terms of meaning and interpretation.” Juan Omar also considers history, community, and representation, sharing, “I have a particular commitment to artists of color, queer artists, and artists of minority backgrounds. It’s important to capture their voices when discussing art and thinking of art museums documenting history and collecting artwork for society and the future.”

Juan Omar is also working on localizing the museums’ impact, adding, “Making sure that the museum looks to our community, feels like a responsibility to our neighbors, not just the art world. I’ve always had an interest in trying to integrate more local voices with the work I do. That has mostly taken shape in the way I work with artists. San Jose artists should be able to participate in conversations that resonate globally so they can be viewed as important interlocutors, participants, collaborators.” C

Written by Esther Young Photography by Miguel Ozuna pauljgonzalezartstudios.com Instagram pauljgonzalezartist