Joe Konieczny is a Toronto based writer and creator whose practice can best be described as deep learning. In his writing, this takes the form of meticulously researched and contextualized historiographies of artists and institutions on the African continent. Recent and upcoming works include a memorializing of the late curator Okwui Enwezor, analysis of works by Myriam Syowia Kyambi and Bulelwa Madekurozwa, and a forthcoming manuscript on the 2022 edition of Rencontres de Bamako. Joe’s creation is informed by meditative research on the intersections of postmodern cultural theory, Marxist political critique, and a fascination with the apocalyptic potential of new technologies. Created with a mix of archival film, machine learning logic, and non-visual technologies, Joe’s works push the boundaries of formal visual analysis by attempting to propose a new and more inclusive archive informed by his anticolonial politics.
Outside of his personal practice, Joe has held a range of institutional experiences. As half of the curatorial braintrust Serious Curators Against Monotony (S.C.A.M.) he has worked with groups including Toronto-based Silverfish Magazine and the Joan and Martin Goldfarb Study Centre at York University. Joe is a facilitation assistant for Ways of Attuning, a study group at the Critical Distance Centre for Curators, a manager for the Avrom Yanovsky Teaching Collection, and an independent art critic. He is always looking for collaborations, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Outside of his personal practice, Joe has held a range of institutional experiences. As half of the curatorial braintrust Serious Curators Against Monotony (S.C.A.M.) he has worked with groups including Toronto-based Silverfish Magazine and the Joan and Martin Goldfarb Study Centre at York University. Joe is a facilitation assistant for Ways of Attuning, a study group at the Critical Distance Centre for Curators, a manager for the Avrom Yanovsky Teaching Collection, and an independent art critic. He is always looking for collaborations, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Joe Konieczny Projects
Toronto / Tkaronto based artist, curator, and historian.
Find me on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Google Scholar.
Get in touch:
joe [at] joekonieczny [dot] com
Researching
Curating
Creating (links in progress)
- Personal History
- Nisaidie / Active Call for Information
- Myriam Syowia Kyambi + Rose
- Ibrahim El-Salahi + “The Inevitable”
- Betye Saar + Atrocity Materials
Curating
Creating (links in progress)
- Existing in Three Dimensions
- Smile!
- The Same Era / True Information
- Empty Calories
Curriculum Vitae
Education
2023. M.A. History of Art, Curatorial Practice Diploma, York University.
2020. H.B.A. with High Distinction. History of Art, African Studies, Curatorial Studies. University of Toronto.
Academic Experience
2022 - Present. Curatorial Assistant, Recontres de Bamako: The 13th African Biennale of Photography.
2022 - Present. Research Associate, Harriet Tubman Institute for Research on Africa and Its Diasporas.
2021 - Present. Research Associate, Sensorium Centre for Digital Arts and Technology.
2021 - Present. President, Art History Graduate Students Association at York.
Work Experience
2021 - Present. Curriculum Editor, Ringle.
2018 - 2020. Organizer, UNITE HERE! Local #75.
2018 - 2020. Volunteer, Democrats Abroad Progressive Caucus.
2017. Intern, Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions.
2015 - 2020. Hospitality experience.
Selected Publications and Presentations
Words
”Gallery Confrontations: Tracking ‘Rose’ through Miriam Syowia Kyambi’s Performance” at Southern Methodist University.
”In Defence of Ideological Art” in Atelier.
Reviews
”Okwui Enwezor: The Art of Curating from Nka Journal of Contemporary Art” in the Journal of Curatorial Studies.
Industrials
”Art & Tech” moderated interview at Ringle.
”Museum Appreciation” moderated interview at Ringle.
”Four Iconic Paintings” moderate interview at Ringle.
Selected Exhibitions
Assisted
2022 - “Maa ka Maaya ka ca a yere kono: Recontres de Bamako” 13th African Biennale of Photography. Bamako, Mali.
2018 - “Juan Downey: Radiant Nature” LACE. Los Angeles, USA.
2017 - “El Teatro Campesino” LACE. Los Angeles, USA.
2017 - “Irrational Exhibits 10” LACE. Los Angeles, USA.
"2017 - “home away from” LACE. Los Angeles, USA.
Curated
2022 - “You’re Always Coming When I’m Going” Gales Gallery of York University. Toronto, Canada.
2022 - “Overlapping Parts” Joan and Martin Goldfarb Centre. Toronto, Canada.
2020 - “Newcomers Project” Equity and Diversity in Arts at the University of Toronto. Toronto, Canada.
Honours and Awards
2022 - York University Graduate Funding Grant ($2,000 CAD)
2021 - York University Merit Funding ($35,000 CAD)
2021 - Krashinsky Prize for Academic Achievement in the Visual and Performing Arts ($400 CAD)
2019 - Equity and Diversity in Art Research Fellowship ($1,200 CAD)
2016 - Qatar Foundation International Arabic Language Fellowship ($6,000 USD)
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