Interview with Karen Shepherdson

For the Mixed Media prototype I have managed to interview Dr. Karen Shepherdson, curator of the Burton Gallery located at the Canterbury Christ Church University, Broadstairs Campus.

I have tried to limit the number of questions to 20 in order to avoid repetition, and make them clear and concise. They refer to the curatorial process carried out when arranging the show on display in the gallery and other aspects such as framing, lighting and challenges set by this task.

The set of questions was the following: 

1. What is the theme of the current show on display in the Burton Gallery?

2. By what criteria were the images selected to be part of the exhibition?

3. With regards to space, was it a difficult task finding a place for each photograph, whilst making sure the amount of visual information is not exceeded?

4. How did you choose the final images on display? Did you look for an element of consistency which inter-relates them?

5. Showcasing both color and black and white pieces of work can be challenging. How did you decide which image goes where, without affecting the overall flow of the show?

6. What was the starting point for the curatorial process and how long did it take to complete?

Is time management essential?

7. How do you ensure that each artist’s voice is heard, without being influenced by the work located next to it?

8.  Regarding print sizes, why did you choose A3 as the best option? Is that due to reduced amount of space dedicated to each image or does it make the work stronger?

9.  Could you please explain why black wooden frames were used?

10. How is the viewer affected by wall color when looking at images? Is there a reason for choosing white background?

11. Another key element when it comes to exhibitions is lighting. How was that matter approached and dealt with?

12. How did you manage to combine text, used to explain about the gallery, and imagery in the show?  What influenced your decision of placing the text in that certain area?

13. From your point of view, what creates the consistency of an exhibition? Is it only the message transmitted by the prints, or is there something else?

14. How did you determine the height of the images of each flat? Why didn’t you choose to position them higher or lower?  

15. What was the main objective of the show? Did you manage to achieve it?

16. Were there any concerns or specific considerations which required attention? Were they successfully resolved?

17. Did you always have a back-up plan if anything went wrong?  Was the element of stress present throughout the development process?

18. How important is being able to work under pressure when thinking about curating an exhibition?

19. Was there anything you wish you had done differently? How would have that affected the final outcome?

20. How would you describe the curatorial process in one word or phrase? 

I would like to thank Karen Shepherdson for agreeing to take part in the project. She has given some excellent answers which shall be very useful for my research and when comparing them to other responses received in the future.