MOMA curator stresses importance of curiosity

By Jane Han

NEW YORK _ Thousands of people from all over the world visit the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) everyday, but this giant art powerhouse is an everyday workplace for Doryun Chong.

``Yes, it’s work,’’ says Chong, associate curator of painting and sculpture, ``but it’s not like any ordinary work.’’

``MOMA isn’t just a big museum but a very, very big museum,’’ said Chong, adding that he’s still overwhelmed by the sheer number of people that come to the New York institution to see the works of notable artists including Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet.

Known to be the first Korean curator at MOMA, Chong talked to The Korea Times about what a curator really does, his passion for art and where he’s headed next.

``People have a vague idea of what curators are but don’t seem to know exactly what kind of work they do,’’ said the 37-year-old who was appointed MOMA’s associate curator in April 2009.

``Being a curator means you generate exhibition ideas and orchestrate the execution, but it also means a whole lot of listening and learning from other people.’’

Chong puts together an average of two exhibitions a year. Most recently, he organized the installation of Bruce Nauman’s ``Days’’ at MOMA.

Besides organizing exhibitions, Chong is also actively involved in acquiring work for the painting and sculpture collection.

``There is a lot of research involved to find historically meaningful artwork that can enrich and expand the collection,’’ he explained. ``It’s crucial to be curious. That’s what leads to discovery.’’

Prior to moving to Manhattan, Chong served at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis for six years as associate curator of visual arts. Before that, he worked at the Museum of San Francisco after earning his doctoral degree in art history from the University of California at Berkeley.

``Living in New York City adds a major excitement to my job,’’ he said. ``Showing my face around town is important as social aspects play a huge part.’’

He added that communication is also crucial in the industry.

``Being a foreigner, I wouldn’t say that I didn’t have any initial problems communicating,’’ said Chong, ``but I don’t think about me being a Korean. I don’t let that become an obstacle.’’

Born in Seoul, Chong moved to the U.S. in 1992 after high school.

``That was my turning point. I took an art history course and was blown away by the ability of describing visual images in language. That really got me,’’ he said, ``but art was never something new for me.’’

Chong explained that his parents recognized the importance of cultural education since his childhood.

``They made sure we had classical music at home, our coffee table was covered with books reproducing famous artwork and I got a lot of music and art lessons,’’ he said.

Looking at his career path, Chong says one thing’s for certain.

``I’ve been very lucky. I’ve had great mentors and great bosses. Whatever qualities I had, it was recognized.’’

Now constantly traveling the world to meet with artists and visit galleries, Chong makes a point to visit Korea at least once a year.

``Many galleries in Korea have emerged notably over the past few years,’’ he said, adding experiencing fine arts around the world is one of the biggest opportunities he has at MOMA.

When it comes to future plans, Chong said he’ll take things one day at a time.

``I’ll stay here for at least five years since you can’t measure accomplishment without giving at least that much time,’’ he said, ``but I also know that there is more for me to pursue and achieve.’’