The Curator Speaks. Interview with Udo Kittelmann

Udo Kittelmann stands as a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene, having spearheaded several large-scale exhibition projects in recent years. Noteworthy among these are "The King is Dead, Long Live the Queen" at the Frieder Burda Museum (opened in May 2023), "Human Brains" in 2022, and "The Boat is Leaking. The Captain Lied" in 2017, all showcased at the Fondazione Prada in Venice. Another notable presentation was "K" in 2020 at the Fondazione Prada in Milan. Kittelmann's projects have consistently garnered admiration for his nuanced curatorial approach, grappling with complexity on numerous levels while delicately developing ideas that flow freely, propelled by interest and curiosity. For him, the potency of art lies in its capacity to facilitate discoveries in a world marked by rapid and unimaginable change. In these challenging times, his creative response aims to engage with the evolving complexities of the contemporary world.

Regarding his latest project, "The King is Dead, Long Live the Queen," exhibited at the Frieder Burda Museum, Kittelmann sheds light on the inspiration drawn from Peggy Guggenheim's exhibition 80 years ago, which showcased the works of 31 artists. Critiquing recent exhibitions focused on women artists, Kittelmann sought to shift the narrative from issues of feminism and gender discourse to a more profound exploration of the art itself and its potential. The project explores the historical "31 Women" exhibition organized by Peggy Guggenheim in 1943 at her Art of This Century gallery in New York. Marcel Duchamp's role in shaping the exhibition, which featured both renowned and lesser-known women artists, intrigued Kittelmann, prompting him to delve into why precisely 31 female artists were included.

Kittelmann underscores the collaborative spirit among the women artists, emphasizing their ability to work together without competition, resulting in a harmonious and delightful experience. He expresses surprise at the positive dynamics that emerged during the collaborative process.

When queried about differences in art created by men and women, Kittelmann shifts the focus to the importance of the result rather than gender distinctions. He believes that the best outcome is when it becomes challenging to discern whether a woman or a man created the artwork, emphasizing our shared humanity.

Transitioning to the exhibition at the Fondazione Prada dedicated to the human brain, Kittelmann shares that he has always sought challenges and was drawn to the idea when approached by Miuccia Prada. Exploring themes beyond traditional art, he believes that the concept of an art museum, as known today, will undergo a transformative shift, expanding its scope to embrace broader themes such as neuroscience. The exhibition at the Fondazione Prada explores the intricacies of the human brain, reflecting Kittelmann's belief in the evolving role of art institutions in the contemporary landscape.