The Brooklyn Museum has announced the appointment of Robert Wiesenberger as its new Senior Curator of Contemporary Art, filling a position that has been vacant since 2023. Wiesenberger, known for his commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices and a wide range of mediums, brings a fresh perspective and a deep connection to the Brooklyn art scene. His arrival marks a significant moment for the museum, promising an expansion and enrichment of its cultural offerings, and a renewed focus on engaging with both the local artistic community and a broader audience.
Wiesenberger's background at the Clark Art Institute demonstrates his innovative approach to curation, where he successfully introduced groundbreaking exhibitions and artists to a wider public. His previous work has consistently highlighted underrepresented artists and challenged traditional museum narratives, aligning perfectly with the Brooklyn Museum's mission to be an inclusive and dynamic cultural institution. This new chapter is expected to foster a more vibrant and accessible contemporary art program, inviting deeper engagement from visitors and the artistic community alike.
Robert Wiesenberger's Vision for Contemporary Art at the Brooklyn Museum
Robert Wiesenberger steps into his new role with a clear vision for the Brooklyn Museum's contemporary art department, aiming to invigorate its exhibitions and public engagement. He expressed profound excitement about his appointment, emphasizing his long-standing personal connection to the museum and the surrounding artistic landscape of Brooklyn. Wiesenberger's curatorial philosophy centers on making the museum a welcoming space for both artists and visitors, fostering a sense of belonging and community. He is committed to diversifying the art presented, ensuring that the museum reflects the rich tapestry of contemporary artistic practices and voices.
His plans include actively seeking out and collaborating with local Brooklyn artists, whose contributions he believes are vital to the museum's dynamism. Wiesenberger also intends to broaden the scope of contemporary art shown, moving beyond established norms to include a wider array of mediums and cultural perspectives. This approach is expected to not only attract new audiences but also to deepen the museum's relevance within the contemporary art world. By building on the existing energy and extraordinary visitor engagement at the museum, Wiesenberger aims to cultivate an environment where diverse artistic narratives can thrive and inspire, solidifying the Brooklyn Museum's position as a leading institution for contemporary art.
A Track Record of Diverse and Inclusive Curation
Before joining the Brooklyn Museum, Robert Wiesenberger served as a curator of contemporary art at the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts, where he established a reputation for his forward-thinking and inclusive curatorial projects. His tenure at the Clark was marked by significant exhibitions, including the first museum survey for artist Lin May Saeed, and presentations featuring a wide range of artists such as Eddie Rodolfo Aparicio and Kandis Williams. These projects underscored his dedication to showcasing a diverse spectrum of contemporary art and artists.
Wiesenberger's appointment at the Clark Art Institute was notable, as he was tasked with broadening the museum's focus beyond its historical emphasis on 19th-century movements like Impressionism. He successfully championed artists from varied backgrounds and working in diverse mediums, demonstrating a consistent commitment to expanding the narrative of art history. This proven track record of promoting diversity and inclusivity through his curatorial choices makes him an ideal fit for the Brooklyn Museum, an institution that values community engagement and a broad representation of artistic talent. His previous successes highlight his ability to bring fresh perspectives and innovative programming to significant cultural institutions.