Ekow Eshun, a prominent London-based curator, has been chosen to orchestrate the upcoming 13th SITE Santa Fe International, set to debut in the summer of 2027. Eshun's curatorial approach emphasizes artists' inquiries into history, identity, and belonging, aiming to foster fresh perspectives and connections. His appointment signifies a renewed vision for the International, promising an exhibition that is both globally resonant and deeply rooted in the distinctive context of Santa Fe.
The selection of Eshun, recognized for impactful exhibitions like "In the Black Fantastic" and "The Time Is Always Now," is anticipated to inject vibrant energy and a novel perspective into the biennial. His method of showcasing art that challenges established narratives and encourages viewers to engage with complex themes aligns with the International's goals. This collaboration seeks to create a show that not only animates Santa Fe but also offers a profound exploration of contemporary art and its societal reflections.
A New Vision for SITE Santa Fe International
Ekow Eshun's appointment as the curator for the 13th SITE Santa Fe International brings a fresh curatorial voice to the prestigious event. Scheduled for summer 2027, this edition aims to build on Eshun's track record of organizing impactful exhibitions that challenge conventional art historical narratives and explore complex themes of identity, history, and belonging. His previous successes, such as "In the Black Fantastic" and "The Time Is Always Now," have showcased his ability to present art that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply engaging, featuring works by artists from diverse backgrounds who re-examine representations within art.
SITE Santa Fe's executive director, Louis Grachos, expressed his admiration for Eshun's unique vision, particularly highlighting the dynamic and experiential nature of his past curatorial projects. Grachos anticipates that Eshun will introduce a novel perspective to the International, enhancing its capacity to connect with global artistic discourses while also resonating with the local community. Eshun's work, which often delves into how artists interpret significant questions about our world, promises an exhibition that will not only captivate audiences but also provoke new ways of seeing and understanding art and ourselves. This focus on reframing history and identity through art is expected to define a memorable and groundbreaking edition of the International.
Curatorial Philosophy and Regional Engagement
Eshun's curatorial philosophy centers on the questions artists pose through their creations, exploring broad and nuanced themes such as history, place, memory, identity, and belonging. He aims to curate exhibitions that enable audiences to view themselves and the world in unexpected ways, fostering connections and reflecting contemporary realities. This approach will be applied to both the SITE Santa Fe International and the British Art Show, demonstrating a consistent vision despite their differing geographical scopes. For the International, Eshun is particularly drawn to Santa Fe's unique setting, recognizing it as an extraordinary location where various histories, legacies, and artistic movements converge, offering fertile ground for discovery and exploration.
The upcoming International will also embrace the history of New Mexico, a region rich with complex narratives, as emphasized by Grachos. Eshun acknowledges the profound historical and geographical significance of the Southwest, viewing SITE Santa Fe as an ideal space for expansive and serious contemplation of contemporary art. This integration of local context with a global artistic dialogue is crucial for the International, transforming Santa Fe into an ongoing site of artistic discovery. While formal themes and artist lists are still under development, Eshun is compiling a comprehensive list of artists he believes are adept at foreseeing cultural shifts, indicating an exhibition that will be both deeply thoughtful and forward-looking, offering broad and exhilarating artistic horizons.