This blog post examines the core research competencies to emphasize in an art history academic plan. It provides specific guidance on how art analysis skills, exhibition planning understanding, and language/source research abilities demonstrate major suitability and academic potential.
Motivation for Pursuing the Program (Reason for Choosing the Major)
In the American drama “Sex and the City,” which I love, the protagonist Charlotte appears as a curator at an art gallery, elegantly dressed in an evening gown, explaining paintings to visitors. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what a curator did, but her presence in the show was enough to captivate me. Later, I learned about the profession of curator and discovered that the Department of Art History I applied to is precisely the place where I can gain the knowledge and experience necessary to establish myself as such a professional. Therefore, I aspire to grow into an excellent curator through the lectures of distinguished professors and the guidance of seniors at your university.
A curator serves as a kind of intermediary, bridging the gap between artists and consumers. It is undoubtedly a profession that can instill a sense of mission and pride as a cultural messenger. I want to become a curator to experience the thrill and fulfillment that comes when artworks, often overlooked, gain public appreciation through my efforts.
Academic Plan and Goals
I believe becoming a curator requires not only artistic knowledge but also diverse abilities: writing skills, technical understanding of exhibition engineering, and the temperament of a promoter. First, upon enrolling at your institution, I will cultivate fundamental knowledge in theory and practice, alongside broad knowledge and cultural literacy across humanities, social sciences, and science.
Proficiency in foreign languages such as English, Chinese, and Japanese is essential to reduce difficulties in studying art history, so I will not neglect language study. This is because most specialized texts on ancient and modern art are written in Chinese and Japanese, and while French is advantageous for contemporary art, English proficiency is at least essential. Above all, the most important attitude is the commitment to continuous, relentless effort and learning. If theory and practical skills form the skeleton for becoming a curator, I believe hands-on experience is what adds the flesh. I will gain practical experience through internships at art galleries and museums during mid-semester breaks and vacations. Starting in my senior year, I will focus intensively on studying to obtain my curator certification.
Since staying abreast of the latest trends is crucial, I will maintain an interest not only in art but also in other social fields. Since effectively conveying the message of artworks to visitors is essential, strong writing skills are also crucial. I will hone my writing abilities by regularly practicing writing.
Post-Graduation Plans
I dream of becoming a competitive global manager. I aspire to be a global leader who understands worldwide trends based on broad vision and deep insight, builds and executes globally competitive strategies, comprehends the world’s diversity, and communicates freely across the globe. During my doctoral studies, I will write a dissertation on ‘The Role of Corporate Organizations and Information Technology in Ubiquitous Environments’. I plan to establish a Ubiquitous Research Society to conduct in-depth studies on the convergence of Ubiquitous Computing and IT. In the future, once the venture company I operate has established a solid foothold domestically, I plan to expand into the Chinese market. Leveraging my fluent Chinese language skills, I intend to widely promote Korea’s customized design products within the Chinese market.
Self-Introduction (Life Philosophy, Values)
While curators work with knowledge they’ve previously acquired, I believe they must also continuously develop new knowledge and expertise. This is because curators perform creative work just as much as artists create individual pieces. They must discern the needs of both artists and the public and devise plans to effectively convey them, requiring creativity beyond mere imagination.
Therefore, I strive to cultivate creative thinking through diverse reading and experiences during my school years. Though I have many shortcomings now, I believe that my knowledge and expertise accumulate steadily, proportionate to the effort and thought I invest. That is why, even today, I continue to work hard to build future competitiveness through artistic sensitivity and creativity.
