Rebecca McGrew
Curator in Residence

Rebecca McGrew is a curator, art historian, writer, and arts professional who specialises in contemporary art. She will spend part of her time in Spoleto researching Claire Falkenstein’s (1908–1997) time in Italy. A sculptor, painter, printmaker, jewellery designer, and teacher, Falkenstein was most recognised for her often large-scale abstract metal and glass public sculptures. She was one of America’s most experimental and productive artists of the 20th century. 

McGrew is the recipient of a 2023–24 Warhol Foundation Curatorial Research Fellowship with colleagues Manthia Diawara (writer, filmmaker, cultural theorist, and professor of comparative literature and film at New York University) and Terri Geis (associate professor of art and co-director of the MFA program of art and media at New York University Abu Dhabi). Together, they are conceiving the exhibition and publication Peering into the Abyss: Glissant, Goya, and Contemporary Art. The project examines the deep confluences and inspirations that circulate between the writings of Edouard Glissant, the art of Francisco de Goya, and the work of contemporary artists from Africa, the Arab World, and their diasporas.

She is also working closely with renowned conceptual and feminist artist Mary Kelly to develop an exhibition proposal to promote an expanded understanding of her work. One of the most prominent artists of our time, Kelly has transformed how we think about domesticity, gender, identity, sexuality, and historical memory.

Acknowledged as a leader in the curatorial field, McGrew has organized numerous monographic and thematic exhibitions that brought attention to diverse underrecognized artists. Her work emphasizes collaboration with artists and the exploration of artistic strategies that challenge prevailing narratives. From highlighting pivotal conceptual, feminist, and performance artists in the late twentieth century in Southern California, to creating a dialogue with emerging artists from Hiroshima to Mexico City to Abu Dhabi, McGrew believes that thinking critically alongside artists yields the most dynamic exhibitions, publications, and programs.

McGrew is currently President of the Claire Falkenstein Foundation.