Q & A with Arturo Almeida: Curator for The University of Texas at San Antonio Art Collection

Q & A with Arturo Almeida: Curator for the University of Texas at San Antonio Art Collection | Our Art Criticism

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Q & A with Arturo Almeida: Curator for the University of Texas at San Antonio Art Collection

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I have long enjoyed collecting and making art. Collaborating with artists as a curator is always a very exciting

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process. I have been with The University of Texas at San Antonio since 2002.

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Besides curating for the university, what projects have you curated?

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I have been fortunate to work on many projects with some of San Antonio’s great artists. Some titles Include,

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Arte Latina: Que Cruz Tan Pesada, in 2002, Poniendo Ojo, a Fotoseptiembre exhibition, Conjunto, an exhibition with live music at the UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures in 2007.

Which ones have been some of your favorites?

http://www.ourartcriticism.com/interview/q-a-with-arturo-almeida-curator-for-the-university-of-texas-at-san-antonio-art-collection/[6/22/11 10:24:11 PM]

Q & A with Arturo Almeida: Curator for the University of Texas at San Antonio Art Collection | Our Art Criticism Ricky Armendariz: Confessions of a Singin’ Vaquero and Arte Latina: ROAR have been two of my favorite shows. Both exhibits were held at Blue Star Contemporary Arts Center. Ricky’s exhibition included over 10 carved and painted on large wood panels. Arte Latina included painting, sculpture, photography, film and installation by fourteen Latina artist and essays written by six San Antonio writers.

What have been some of the difficulties in curating?

I am certain the difficulties I have encountered are the same difficulties anyone who has tried to launch an exhibit encounters. It can be very difficult to have everything come together under one schedule. I think that for an artist it can be difficult to complete a body of new work under someone else’s time line.

When working with artist, what do you like best and what is the most annoying?

Seeing the work develop as the show nears is always very interesting to me. Every artist has his own process and it is always very exciting to see a body of work come together. Every project has its own special challenges but San Antonio has a very supportive art community so it is always a pleasure to work with local artists.

What do you look for when you are looking at an artist’s artwork?

I can’t say that there is anyone one thing that makes an artist’s work appealing. I am always interested to see work that is expressive in new and inventive ways, work that challenges the viewer to consider a different perspective.

What do you expect from an artist when you do a studio visit?

A studio visit can be a great opportunity to learn about the artists and his or her approach to their art. The most productive studio visits are the ones where an artist is open and eager to tell you what he or she does. I am always interested to learn about how they feel their work has evolved.

How would you recommend that artists form a relationship with a curator without overstepping their boundaries?

I don’t think there is any one way to form relationships within the art community. I can tell you that my experience in San Antonio has been one where the artists, other curators and galleries have been very friendly and great to work with. I imagine that San Antonio is unique in how generous and supportive people can be.

Do you have any publications of exhibitions you have curated?

I think it is important to document an exhibition whenever possible. Unfortunately it is not always possible.

Currently I am working on two publications. One is a catalogue for Arte Latina: ROAR; the other is a publication featuring 200 artists in the collection of the University.

Texas has a great art scene, what do you like most about representing Texas artist?

Texas is a truly unique place. It’s history, it’s geography, it’s proximity to the Mexico, make Texas different from anywhere else in the world. I think Texas artists bring the unique experience of being a Texan to their work.

How long does it take to put together a collection and an exhibition?

Every project is different and has its own challenges and demands. Large shows with several artists or exhibits with unusual logistical needs take longer. One exhibit, for example, included a dumpster filled with objects placed in the middle of the gallery space. In most cases, planning an exhibit begins ten to fifteen months in advance.

What is your current or upcoming exhibition that you are working on?

I’m currently preparing an exhibition that will feature the works of Rex Hausmann at the UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures. The exhibit is part of The Texas Contemporary Artists Series.

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Q & A with Arturo Almeida: Curator for the University of Texas at San Antonio Art Collection | Our Art Criticism

Who was the last artist you purchased for the University Collection?

A recent purchase that I was very excited about is by the artist Jung–hee Mun. She recently had a one person exhibit at Sala Diaz.

Arturo Infante Almeida The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Office of the President Art Specialist/Curator for the UTSA Art Collection One UTSA Circle San Antonio, Texas 78249-0601

Interview

May 28th, 2011

Arturo Almeida, Curator, Darrell Roberts, Interview, San Antonio,

2 responses

University of Texas

Comments (2) Sort by: Date Rating Last Activity

Anita Valencia · 3 weeks ago

0

Arturo, I'd like to see the publication of Arte Latina ROAR. Where can I get a copy of the catalogue?

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Arturo Almeida · 3 weeks ago

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Anita, Here is the site to order catalogue. http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2079297 We are still editing and catalogue will be ready by Thursday to order.

Thank you for your email.

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Q & A with Arturo Almeida: Curator for the University of Texas at San Antonio Art Collection | Our Art Criticism

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