Words of Wisdom: A Curator's Vade Mecum on Contemporary Art

Edited by Carin Kuoni

A modern-day vade mecum for curators, artists, and cultural thinkers. Published by Independent Curators International (ICI), this essential guidebook compiles over fifty short essays from some of the most influential voices in contemporary art curation. Words of Wisdom offers practical insights, personal reflections, and behind-the-scenes perspectives from curators who have shaped the global art landscape over the past 25 years.

Book Synopsis

Inspired by the medieval “come-along-with-me” manuals of craftsmen, this compendium serves as a portable mentor for emerging and established curators alike. Contributors—including Jean-Christophe Ammann, Judith Richards, Donna de Salvo, Richard Flood, Hans Ulrich Obrist, and Marcia Tucker—share lessons learned from landmark exhibitions, institutional challenges, and the evolving role of the curator. With its blend of theory, practice, and personal narrative, Words of Wisdom is both a historical document and a forward-looking resource.

Perfect For

• Curators, artists, and museum professionals
• Students of art history, curatorial studies, and cultural management
• Readers of Ways of Curating and Thinking Contemporary Curating
• Anyone interested in the inner workings of the contemporary art world

Notable Contributors

• Jean-Christophe Ammann – Museum of Modern Art, Frankfurt
• Donna de Salvo – Tate Gallery, London
• Richard Flood – Walker Art Center, Minneapolis
• Hans Ulrich Obrist – Independent Curator
• Marcia Tucker – Founding Director, New Museum of Contemporary Art, NYC

About the Editor

Carin Kuoni is a curator, writer, and educator whose work explores the intersection of art and politics. As Director of the Vera List Center for Art and Politics at The New School, she has championed socially engaged art and curatorial innovation.

Other Related Titles

• Ways of Curating by Hans Ulrich Obrist
• Thinking Contemporary Curating by Terry Smith
• Curating Research by Paul O’Neill & Mick Wilson
• The Curatorial: A Philosophy of Curating by Jean-Paul Martinon

Product Details

• Publisher: Independent Curators International (ICI)
• Publication Date: February 15, 2001
• Format: Paperback
• ISBN: 9780916365608
• Pages: 176