The Convergence of Curating and Technology: A Multidimensional Perspective on Practice

Abstract

Curation has traditionally been a static practice confined to physical spaces, focusing primarily on the display and interpretation of artworks. However, with the rapid development of digital technologies such as VR, AR, and AI, curatorial practices have evolved, integrating virtual and interactive elements that expand beyond physical locations. This study investigates the impact of digital technologies on contemporary curatorial practices, exploring how tools like big data, VR, and AI are transforming the way curators create interactive, immersive, and multi-layered exhibition experiences. Through case studies and analysis of curatorial projects utilizing these technologies, the research examines the ethical, political, and aesthetic dimensions of curatorial practices and explores the role of technology in enhancing curatorial precision, expanding spatial boundaries, and enabling new forms of audience engagement. The study finds that technologies such as VR and AI provide curators with innovative tools to create dynamic and participatory exhibitions. However, it also highlights the ethical risks associated with overusing technology, including the potential commodification of exhibits and the diminished focus on physical artworks. Digital technologies offer significant potential for expanding and enriching curatorial practices, transforming curation into a bridge between art, culture, and society. Nevertheless, these innovations come with challenges, requiring curators to balance technological integration with maintaining the integrity of traditional curatorial values across ethical, political, and aesthetic dimensions.