Abstract
Keywords:
digital art, the digital, networked, networked curatorial practice, the curator, the paracuratorial, post-curatorial, post-occupation, spaces, digital curation, practice-based research
This paper outlines and defines selected key concepts and terms that form part of a dictionary that supports the definition of a networked curatorial practice. The paper unpacks and discusses the following key concepts and terms: digital art, networked, networked curatorial practice, the curator, the para and post-curatorial, the post-occupation condition, and spaces – all within the digital art landscape. The paper argues for a dynamic interpretation of key concepts and terms encompassing this practice emerging in a contemporary digital context, urging readers to traverse and form their own connections. The discussion is framed through the description and definition of four key curatorial projects— Floating Reverie, Covalence, TMRW, and Blue Ocean. These projects, ranging from digital residency programs to online art spaces, demonstrate the diverse ways in which curated spaces can support digital artists. The paper seeks to enhance accessibility and contribute to ongoing discourse within the digital arts community, focusing on establishing a sustainable ecosystem through different spaces for artists and curators through a networked curatorial practice.
- Carly Whitaker, an independent curator, researcher, artist, and lecturer based in Johannesburg, received her PhD from the University of Reading (UK). Her research focuses exploring networked curatorial methodologies in the South African context. She has exhibited in Johannesburg, Freiburg, Casablanca, Miami, and Sao Paulo. Whitaker’s work delves into the intricate interplay between communication, media, and technology, fostering dialogues and connections within the digital realm. Noteworthy curatorial projects include Floating Reverie, a digital residency program, and Blue Ocean, an online digital project space initiated in 2022. She was previously the Curatorial Director of the TMRW Gallery in Johannesburg in 2021-2022, where she oversaw the production and exhibition of digital artwork in a workshop context. Drawing from her extensive experience in lecturing and research roles, Whitaker integrates design research practices into her own explorations, focusing on cultivating spaces fordigital artists to expand their research and practices. https://carlywhitaker.co.za