Natasha Codland

Born in 1974 Algiers, Algeria.
New Zealand Citizen

Program YCI 2007 participant

Current Position

Curator Contemporary Art,  Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki

Previous Positions 

Curator Contemporary Art, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Freelance Curator, Independent
Lecturer in Contemporary Art and Theory, Auckland University of Technology
Tutor and Lecturer, University of Auckland
Fine Art Books Distributor, Auckland

Project Positions 

Co-Curator, SCAPE 06 Art and Industry Biennial, Christchurch (contract)
Co-Curator, Café 2 Busan Biennale 2006, South Korea (contract)
Curator of et al. the fundamental practice, New Zealand at the 51st Venice Biennale, 2005 (partial secondment)

Qualification 

Master of Arts in Art History (MA), Fist class honours
University of Auckland

Key Skills 

• Commitment to establishing and improving the platforms for contemporary art and ideas, its dialogue and production.
• Curating with a unique balance of critical judgement, formal insight and expansive thinking.
• A creative and intelligent approach to written prose and critical texts, seeking an engaging style not bound by existing methodology.
• Proven record in published writing, editorial and print management.
• Energetic, hardworking and professional approach to all aspects of communication and conduct.
• Record of exhibition making which foregrounds a conceptual approach to curating contemporary art.
• Proficient and expansive researcher.
• Experienced and confident public speaker.
• Strong history of developing programmes and events to increase dialogue in the area of contemporary practice.

Personal Profile 

In May 2006 I took up the position of curator contemporary art at the Auckland Art Gallery. During this time I curated The 2006 Walters Prize, collection exhibitions Just Painting and Love Chief, and began development for a contemporary programme for the Gallery including preparation for the 2010 Auckland Triennial. My first major contemporary art exhibition Mystic Truths will open on June 29, 2007.
Also in 2006 I worked towards the successful realisation of two international contemporary art exhibitions, don’t misbehave! the 2006 SCAPE Biennial of Art in Public Space, and co-curated the Café 2 project for the 2006 Busan Biennale in South Korea.
In 2004 I worked on the successful proposal to send et al. to the Venice Biennale, which resulted in the realisation of the exhibition the fundamental practice, the most ambitious work by et al. to date. Alongside my role as curator on this small team was the achievement of new benchmarks for New Zealand in Venice – a quality venue, targeted PR campaign, high-level fundraising, and internationally renowned publications.
In my previous role as the curator contemporary art at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, I sought to broaden the potential for exhibitions of contemporary art and emphasise experimental approach to curatorial work. In a complex environment, I worked hard to strengthen the relationship with art communities, and generate critical dialogue within and outside the museum.
Prior to commencing at Te Papa I worked as a freelance curator and writer, and part-time lecturer in a visual art department. My working life has reflected in different ways, my single-minded support for the critical growth of contemporary art.

Education 

Tertiary

University of Auckland, Department of Art History (1995-1997)
Master of Arts (MA), first class honours
Thesis topic: ‘Telling Pictures: Narrative and Tony Fomison’
University of Auckland, Bachelor of Arts, double major in English and Art History (1992-1994)

Secondary

American Field Scholar, Naples, Italy (1990-1991)
Thames High School, New Zealand (1989-1991)
1991, Seventh Form Bursary – ‘A’ Bursary, scholarship in Art History

Contact Natasha Codland