Black Swan Arts Open 2024, Curator Profile
Dr Lucy Gundry
Black Swan Arts Open 2024 Curator
Lucy is a creative inspired by creativity. I have always loved found objects, collecting and creating conversations between them in sympathetic spaces from window sills to walls to the body. I enjoy understanding, nurturing and curating my curiosity for things through conversations, ideas, projects, exhibitions, writing and teaching.
In conversation with Lucy
How would you describe what you do?
I am a creative inspired by creativity. I enjoy understanding, nurturing and curating creativity through conversations, ideas, projects, exhibitions, writing and teaching.
Who or what inspired you to become a curator?
I have always loved found objects, collecting and creating conversations between them in sympathetic spaces from window sills to walls to the body. Curating is my creative practice. Others creative practice is my inspiration. My curatorial heroes are Professor Lesley Millar (‘Through the Surface‘ exhibition 2003-5) and Professor Judith Clark (‘The Concise Dictionary of Dress’ 2010 exhibition) as well as the ‘The Impossible Wardrobe’ trilogy curated by Olivier Saillard 2012-14.
What do you think makes a good exhibition?
Stimulating conversations between pieces staged in sympathetic spaces which allow the viewer a haptic aesthetic experience.
What interests you about the creative process?
The journey. The inspiration, the trial and error, the fight, the discovery, the light, the work in progress and the point when a piece is strong enough to speak with its own voice.
Can you describe what criteria you think makes a piece of work ‘work’?
When a piece is strong enough to speak with its own voice.
What is ‘art’?
An aesthetic product of creativity.
What (in your opinion) is the biggest challenge artists face today?
Proving themselves, being recognised and being able to continue their practice in a world where artists values struggle to align with financial ones.
Can you tell us why you bought a piece of work, how much for and what it means to you?
A little drawing of a crowd of tiny naked people all squashed together by an emerging artist for £120 as a birthday present from my husband. It represents equality, community, protection, vulnerability and being comfortable in your own skin.
What is the most valuable contribution ‘art’ makes to society?
The value of creativity, inclusivity, challenge, freedom, perspectives, processing and a way to navigate through our ever-changing world.