Curate
“An exhibition is in many ways a series of conversations. Between the artist and viewer, curator and viewer, and between the works of art themselves. It clicks when an exhibition feels like it has answered some questions and raised even more”.
-Thelma Golden
Hasaan A. Kirkland, MFA. -Curating education, art, and culture.
Curator (Director)[Exhibition Development, Exhibition Scheduling, Gallery Designer, Art installation/deinstallation, Staff Management]
During the years at Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), Kirkland was a tenured full professor, an O’Herron Distinguished Professor of Fine Art, a Curator and preparator for the university’s art collection, a charter member of the National Alliance of Artists from HBCU’s and an advocate for student and faculty artists. He served as the curator for JCSU’s President’s private collection of African art for 8 years.
Notable in his career, creative vision and design, curating, research, installation, and providing sound gallery direction are strengths within the scope of his work. Kirkland has engaged with local, national, and international artists and gallerist such as Dr. Lee Ransaw, Arturo DelSarte, Dr. Peggy Blood, Bryan Wilson, Dr. Willie Hooker, T’ Afo Fiemster, B.E.Noel, Richard Hunt, Nellie Ashford, Sheila Hicks, Juan Logan, the Allan Chasonoff Ceramic collection, Damon Brown, Vincent Keele, Rene Westbrook and many others. Kirkland also operated as an art consultant and art administrator, and public art planner (manager), providing guidance and artist engagement for Charlotte’s (NC) Arts and Science Council and the Charlotte Area Transit System as well as 4 Culture, and the Office of Arts and Culture in Seattle (WA).
With an affection for the history of the Harlem Renaissance, that Black Arts Movement, and contemporary popular culture, Kirkland’s experience as a Curator, (Director, and Manager of artwork, gifted assets, student artists, faculty exhibitions, accession and deaccession of work, fine art and framing repair, art installation and deinstallation), educator, and visual artist, has delivered to him the opportunity to continue his curatorial and gallery design work in Seattle, WA at the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) as the Executive Curator. During his time with the NAAM, Kirkland maintained his curatorial and creative ability as the CEO of his own art business, Kairos Industry (EAC) LLC.
Understanding the relationship between visual content, community engagement, storytelling, history, popular culture, and having a keen eye for gallery design, all contributes to a creative economy through education, art, and culture, each has helped to contribute to his life, his voice, and his career.
Curatorial Responsibilities
Engaged with key stakeholders for content, artifacts and media collateral
Direct and manage staff, contractors, and exhibition timeline
Develop programming and educational content for community engagement
Develop scope and direction for local, national, and international artists, faculty artists, and art student exhibitions
Research, write, and develop exhibit text and labels
Provide social media and exhibition graphic media content
Select objects to be included in exhibits and/or secured items on loan
Developed project schedule and budget projections
Gallery Design Responsibilities
Project timeline development
Coordinated team workflow and collaboration with project contractors
Create concept and thematic development with artists and exhibit clients
Oversee and participate in all exhibit installation and de-installation of the exhibit
Develop gallery design, color palette and layout of exhibit
Develop exhibit visual content and concept
Manage staff and contractors regarding workflow, delivery, and register of art for singular and multiple artists participating in exhibits
Art, Education, and Cultural Agencies
MOHAI
2023
Curator (Curatorial Consultant) Co-Lead Curatorial Affairs, Exhibition Development, Gallery Design
Wonder of Women International (WoW Gallery)
2021
Curator (Curatorial Consultant) Lead Installation, Gallery Design, and art commission
Das Schaufenster Gallery
2020
Curator (Curatorial Consultant) Lead Curatorial Affairs (Installation, and Gallery Design)
Shoreline City Hall Gallery
2019
Curator (Curatorial Consultant) Co-Lead Curatorial Affairs, and Exhibition Development
Northwest African American Museum
2018 – 2019
Curator (Executive/Chief) Lead Gallery Designer, Graphic Designer & Collections Manager – Curatorial Affairs, Exhibition Development, and Exhibit marketing collateral, and Collections Management. Manage exhibition staff, contractors, and community engagement.
Johnson C. Smith University
2008 – 2017
University Curator –
Lead Curatorial Affairs, Exhibition Development, Exhibit marketing collateral, Gallery Design, Art installation and deinstallation, and Collections Management. Manage exhibition staff, contractors, student and faculty exhibitions and community engagement. Catalog university collection, art procurement, and Student Murals
Arts and Science Council
2008-2017
Art consultant and Co-Artist counsel advisor. Oversee local and national art applicant for public art grants for the embellishment of the city of Charlotte, NC’s area transit system (CATS).
Mint Museum of Craft and Design
2001 -2002
Gallery Attendant – Museum Docent, content development, and gallery design assistant