Today we’d like to introduce you to Kreneshia Whiteside.
Kreneshia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
ART. I’ve always been surrounded by it in some way, shape, or form. It began with music (because of my family) and later grew to involve the visual arts (because of my school). I attended an art school 6-12th grade with a concentration in music, but the environment of creativity is what fueled my passion to stay in the arts. I love showcasing the talents of others and sharing the corresponding narrative/information. It’s a blessing that I’m also good at it. I decided as a high school junior that I’ll own my own museum one day. After talking to someone in the art world, I was introduced to curating and it’s been tunnel vision ever since. After internships, earning my degree, and curating my first show, I landed my first position. I’ve now been the Chief Curator at the Association for Visual Arts for 2 years, while also working as an independent curator. At the moment, I’m traveling back and forth from Tennessee to New York for a fashion week project with the designer, Audrey Schilt. I’m also working with the fine artist Genesis the Greykid in New York and LA. This time next year I’ll be in Italy for a curatorial studies program. All in all, there’s a lot of moving parts right now, and I’m extremely excited for what’s coming. What got me here? Honestly, keeping my mind, body, and spirit on the same page. In the end, I aim to stay in tune with God, so even when I’m unsure about the moves I’m making if it feels right then I know I’m on the right track. I feel that I’m living my purpose.
Has it been a smooth road?
Patience is a virtue that I do not always possess. I have so many ideas pop into my head, that it’s difficult for me to focus and accomplish one because I’m ready to jump to the next. I’m also a perfectionist so I’m not quick to ask for help, which puts more strain on myself. That’s my biggest personal hurdle. My other struggle isn’t really bad, but it can make things a bit blurry- that’s the lack of a role model. I don’t know of anyone that has done what I’m aiming to do, so I’m basically paving my own way. While this can at times be scary, it’s also exciting.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As a curator, I translate the message of the artist. Being an artist myself, I know the language that they speak. Successfully doing that, sparks a flame in that creative which then sparks inspiration to create work, and then the cycle continues. My proudest moments are initiating those flames and capturing those beautiful moments. I develop exhibitions that are not only appealing but create an experience. I push to make sure that the themes and artwork have an effect on people. They should exit feeling differently than they entered. I hope my exhibits prove that curating is much more than putting art on walls. What sets me apart from others is that my company is me. I am Kren the Curator. My originality pours into my work, but I’m also conscious that my work is bigger than me- it’s about the art. Being mindful of this balance is key and ultimately helps me present art in my best unique way.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and the least?
I love the pace and simplicity of our region. We like to sit and take things in, it’s almost like a calm landscape painting. However, sometimes that painting could use a little paint splatter or collage work, but being in the south those techniques aren’t always welcomed. In other words, our region is ready for creativity and is pretty much a blank canvas, but it can sometimes be resistant to change or new ideas because it’s so familiar with its surroundings. Good news is, Chattanooga is slowly growing out of that.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.krenthecurator.com
- Email: krenrw@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queen.kren.curator/
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