Curator Series: Hafsa AlKhudairi, Nora AlGosaibi & Rotana Shaker
In the first segment of our Curator Series, the voices of three leading curators in the Saudi art scene were interviewed: Hafsa AlKhudairi, Nora AlGosaibi & Rotana Shaker.
Hafsa AlKhudairi
"There is so much unseen labor in the art scene that people don't recognize. From the research that people do, to the ideas, to the readings, the courses, the conversations, the trips, the studio visits, all these different kind of activities that curators do to understand the scene they exist in. Even just like visiting galleries, looking at art, just training your eye, training your brain, all that kind of work that a lot of curators do is unseen, and not that we want it to be seen."
"For me, being a curator is to really connect and care about what you're talking about and how you're addressing people. It's about telling a story that makes sense to you and others, and to present that through artworks that really affect you, that really move you internally, that makes you feel something, that makes you think about something, that makes you realize that the world isn't one plus one equals two."
"In Saudi, the role of the curator is quite interesting. It involves having conversations and truly providing artists with the space to discuss their ideas and be honest in one-on-one interactions. Generally speaking, given the evolution of art and the renewed interest in the arts, we must support our artists and the art scene as a whole. However, it's also essential to have critical moments and discussions, which play a crucial role in our work. I believe this is particularly important for curators, especially those who maintain close relationships with artists."
Nora AlGosaibi
"The term "curator" originates from the Latin word "curare," meaning "to care for." For me, being a curator is a commitment to nurturing cultural heritage. Art, in its many forms, narrates the stories of humanity-its cultures, economies, and histories. As a curator, I weave together these threads of history through the creative expressions of artists. Today, the curator's role goes beyond caring for objects; it involves understanding the context of objects and their significance in society. It is an invitation to collaborate, to uncover often-unheard cultural narratives, and to amplify the voices of people through their own perspectives. In essence, a curator is both a storyteller and a guide, bridging the past and present to foster deeper connections within the community."
"In Saudi Arabia, the curatorial field is still developing, and on the verge of a vibrant new chapter in a rich cultural environment. The curator's mission is to document local narratives from an intimate and authentic perspective, free from Western interpretations. This role involves celebrating identity and reclaiming stories that reflect the diverse culture and heritage of the region. The role of the curator should emphasizes the importance of every voice, asserting that art can be a powerful medium for cultural expression and social commentary."
"Trust is the foundation of successful collaboration. I approach my relationships with artists with deep respect for their vision, which serves as a guiding star. By asking thoughtful questions and providing relevant references, I aim to immerse myself in their creative world. This exploration of their thought process allows me to effectively translate their vision into a shared experience, fostering a dialogue that resonates with both the artist and the audience."
Rotana Shaker
"To me, being a curator is being a bridge between different worlds and ideas - introducing different publics to artworks, research, and themes of inquiry that might only usually be available to a select few. Simultaneously, it is about providing support to artists and creators in any form they may need - offering a listening ear, sharing resources and opportunities, and fostering connections."
"The arts landscape in Saudi has grown exponentially over the last few years all the while the pool of curators has remained relatively small. The role of the curator within this context is no different than elsewhere, but perhaps there is an added role of having to be in many ways an ambassador of the nation and a champion of Saudi artists in particular."
"A lot of the labour or curating I think goes unseen; from the minute details of liaising between different individuals and entities to the teamwork involved in scenography or the writing of labels and texts. However, I think the most underrated is the labour which is the foundation of all of this: thinking time. To thoughtfully curate an exhibition there needs to be time to meet different people, research not only previous exhibitions but also academic writing about the topics at hand, while also allowing time for those ideas to simmer and stew over time before they can be brought together in rigorous exhibitions and programme."