Margaret Choi Kwan Lam Knihy

Exploring the intersection of scenography and contemporary curating, this thesis examines how artistic staging practices have evolved from theater to influence modern exhibitions. It highlights scenography's transformative role in reshaping traditional exhibition methods, leading to significant ideological shifts in curatorial practices. By investigating this merger, the paper opens up new discussions about the impact of scenographic techniques on contemporary design and exhibition strategies, marking a revolutionary change in the field.

The essay explores the curatorial significance of V&A's inaugural digital exhibition, Decode: Digital Design Sensation, highlighting its role in redefining the museum's identity in the contemporary art and design landscape. It examines the exhibition's innovative curatorial strategies, including its central themes of Code, Interactivity, and Network, alongside the impactful Recode Decode marketing campaign. Additionally, it discusses the collaborative platform that fostered discourse and the exhibition's vision for the future, showcasing how Decode contributed to the museum's evolution in digital culture.

Exploring the historical divide between high and low culture, this essay examines how cultural acts shaped perceptions and debates among critics. It highlights the evolution of museums in response to a global revolution, questioning their roles and the necessity for democratization. Through case studies like MOMA's "High and Low" and the V&A's "Postmodernism," the essay illustrates how curators have embraced diverse voices, challenging traditional practices and advocating for a more inclusive approach to art and design curation.

Engaging audiences beyond visual appeal is a central theme explored in this essay, which examines the evolution of curatorial practices in contemporary design exhibitions. It highlights a shift from traditional, vision-dominated approaches to multi-sensory experiences that invite deeper connections with art objects. The essay analyzes successful case studies, such as the Rain Room and Heiner Goebbels' Stifter’s Dinge, to illustrate how innovative curators have transformed exhibition-making. This exploration underscores the importance of curators' beliefs in shaping new display strategies and enhancing audience engagement.

The essay explores the evolving role of curators in contemporary exhibitions, highlighting a shift from traditional connoisseurship to a more creative and artistic approach. It discusses the transformation of museum objects and exhibition language, emphasizing a move towards experimental, poetic, and narrative-driven presentations. By analyzing three case studies—The Surreal House, David Bowie Is, and The Concise Dictionary of Dress—the essay illustrates how innovative curatorial strategies shape unique museum experiences and foster imaginative narratives in art.