Working with artist, thinkers and curators on their craft is a pleasure I had the privilege of having for many years. It is not so much about what the work is, but rather what it is supposed to do.
“I argue that leaning into the purpose of the work and consequently tweaking not only the material but also the logic behind it is what eventually develops a strong position in the artistic landscape.”
Charl Landvreugdis a contemporary Afro-European and Afro-futurist artist, curator and researcher, whose work deals with histories of (forced) migration and the cultural movements and hybrid modes of belonging that are shaped in the process. He works across several media such as photography, video, installations, sculpture, writing and publishing. Since 2020 he applies his artistic practice in the role of head of research and curatorial practice at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, where he is also the editor-in-chief of Stedelijk Studies Journal and the publication department.
On mentoring
One of the hardest things to do as a cultural worker is to analyze your own practice. Meeting with a mentor can be a way to unpack the different sides of the work that is being done to (re)align with your intrinsic drive. Advising cultural workers therefore is not about telling them what to do but to listen and question. One could say it’s an encounter between two professionals where knowledge, experience and ways-of-seeing are exchanged. My focus in mentoring is always to come to a point where heart, mind and hands are working together in sync. I believe that achieving this results in the most satisfying personal outcome and boosts confidence and believe in one’s practice.