Paris Grae Bailey
Curatorial Apprenticeship in Artistic Representations and Material Culture of Jewish Diaspora
This summer, as an undergraduate curatorial and research assistant at the Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life, I am continuing my involvement in a project that aims to curate an exhibit as an entry point into exploring the intersections of Jewish and Muslim life in the MENA region through approximately sixty significant objects. Over the past two semesters, my URAP position has provided invaluable experience in handling, researching, and curating these artifacts. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to this exhibit’s fruition, delving into how these diasporic objects reflect the region’s nuanced cultural and historical dynamics. Through research and curation, In Plain Sight’s exhibit seeks to illuminate the interconnectedness and shared experiences between Jewish and Muslim communities, offering insight to audiences beyond the confines of our field.
Message To Sponsor
I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue my research project at the Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life. I am especially filled with gratitude for the invaluable mentorship provided by esteemed curators, Francesco Spagnolo and Qamar Adamjee. Their expertise and guidance have significantly enriched my understanding of diasporic art and transcontinental cultural history. This experience has been immensely meaningful, allowing me to explore a subject of Jewish heritage that holds deep personal and academic significance for me. Thank you to my sponsor for making this enriching experience possible — for the chance to pursue my interests in research and museum studies, which I believe will greatly benefit my future career as an artist and an Art Historian.