In 2019, I had the opportunity to teach as an instructor under Clause 9.02 for the course Exhibition: Theory and Practice (MSL1053) at the University of Quebec in Outaouais. This experience was a unique opportunity to develop my teaching skills in a university setting while sharing my knowledge about the role and issues of exhibitions in the artistic and museum field.
Pedagogical Objectives and Teaching Approach
My teaching aimed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the different types of exhibitions and their functions. To do this, I adopted both a theoretical and practical approach around the following areas:
- Exhibition Analysis: Identification of different types of exhibitions (artistic, historical, scientific) and their specificities.
- Understanding Museum Issues: Exploration of the role of the exhibition as a tool for transmission and cultural mediation.
- Curatorial Practice: Reflection on the design of an exhibition, from artwork selection to installation.
- Critical Methodology: Development of analytical thinking through case studies and evaluation of existing exhibitions.
Methodology and Topics Covered
The course combined theoretical sessions, case study analyses, and practical exercises allowing students to directly experience the concepts discussed.
Theory and analysis
- Study of the constitutive elements of an exhibition: space, objects, texts, images, sounds, paths.
- In-depth Exploration: Delving into cultural mediation concepts and visitor experience.
- Reflection on the Role of Exhibitions: Examining the exhibition’s role in the diffusion and conservation of artistic and cultural heritage.
Practical Application and Experimentation
- Design and Presentation: Students created and presented fictive exhibition projects.
- Visits and Analysis: Students visited exhibitions to contrast theory with field reality.
Impact and Lessons Learned
This experience allowed me to strengthen my skills in university pedagogy and refine my approach to transmitting knowledge in art and museology. I observed the evolution of students in their understanding of curatorial issues and their ability to develop a critical and reflective approach to exhibitions.
Teaching under Clause 9.02 in 2019 was a very enriching experience, consolidating my interest in pedagogy and the promotion of art through the transmission of knowledge.