Community of New York, Issue 7

Jordan Carter

The creative force shaping Dia Art Foundation’s artistic legacy

Words JAE KIM

Photography LISA KATO

With a keen eye for innovation and a commitment to fostering enduring relationships with artists, Jordan Carter, curator of Dia Art Foundation, plays a pivotal role in shaping Dia’s artistic landscape. At Dia, collaboration isn’t just a concept; it’s a way of life. Carter’s approach to curation transcends mere exhibition planning; it’s about cultivating an environment where artists thrive, where their visions are not only realized but also deeply understood and respected. As Carter navigates the artistic terrain of New York, his dedication to fostering these meaningful connections underscores Dia’s position as a guiding light of artistic discovery and cooperation.

JAE KIM: How does the Dia Art Foundation address inclusivity and representation, particularly for underrepresented artists, in both its exhibitions and community outreach programs?

JORDAN CARTER: From my perspective as a curator and co-head of the curatorial department, our approach is organic yet highly intentional. We don’t set specific metric goals; instead, we focus on the diverse interests of each curator. We prioritize the work before identity, ensuring that an artist’s practice complements, complicates, or critically expands the core values of our collection. While we aim to expand the canon and tell more nuanced stories, we’re cautious about tokenizing artists based on identity. Our goal is to bring a unique perspective to the historical movements we focus on.

JK: Can you share a highlight or previous exhibition in achieving this balance?

JC: One notable project is by artist stanley brouwn, whose work delves into measurement, distance, and the way we navigate space. brouwn’s radical intention was for the work to speak for itself, free from interpretive materials or biographical context. This exemplifies our commitment to prioritizing the direct experience of artwork over identity-driven narratives, even though such projects may not align with conventional diversity metrics.

JK: And what strategies do you employ to engage with diverse audiences and ensure that the art presented at Dia resonates with a broad spectrum of people?

JC: Our approach is unmediated and open-ended. We minimize interpretive materials, allowing visitors to have a non-directional route through the galleries. The absence of a prescribed path encourages a unique and personal experience with the artworks. We aim to empower people to engage with art on their terms, fostering a universal audience regardless of age or demographics. We are also geographically spread across multiple sites: visitors can engage with our exhibition spaces in New York, but also our Land art sites in the American West.

JK: So, would you say that openness is the key?

JC: Absolutely. Our strategy involves openness, unmediated presentation, and creating an environment that invites exploration. We challenge conventional expectations of how visitors should engage with art, fostering a more individualized and empowering experience.