Barbara London (curator)
Barbara London is an American curator, writer, and educator specializing in media art. She is recognized for her pivotal role in establishing media art as a recognized art form, particularly through her work at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.
Career:
London joined MoMA in 1973 and founded the museum's video program in 1974. Over nearly four decades at MoMA, she curated numerous exhibitions and screenings showcasing the work of video and media artists, including pioneering figures such as Nam June Paik, Laurie Anderson, Dara Birnbaum, and Gary Hill. Her curatorial work explored the intersections of art, technology, and culture. She is credited with bringing video art and new media art into the museum context and introducing these forms to a wider audience.
Beyond her curatorial practice, London is known for her writing and lecturing on media art. She has contributed to numerous publications and presented at conferences and institutions worldwide. After leaving MoMA in 2011, she continued to teach, write, and lecture, remaining a prominent voice in the field of media art.
Key Contributions:
- Pioneering Video Art at MoMA: Establishing and developing MoMA's video program, providing a platform for the exhibition and collection of video art.
- Curatorial Vision: Showcasing a wide range of video and media art, highlighting the diverse approaches and themes explored by artists working with these technologies.
- Promotion of Media Art: Writing and lecturing extensively on the history and significance of media art, contributing to its recognition as a legitimate and important art form.
- Education: Educating audiences about media art through exhibitions, publications, and teaching.
Publications (Selected):
- Video Art: The First Fifty Years (Phaidon, 2020)
- Numerous essays and articles in art journals, exhibition catalogues, and edited volumes.