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One of the departments of Architecture and Design’s most distinctive collections is the complete works of visionary modern architect Bruce Goff (American, 1904–1982). This collection contains over 8,000 drawings and 400 paintings, a fraction of which have been fully researched, catalogued, and imaged. In recent years this collection, alongside the Goff holdings in the Art Institute’s Ryerson and Burnham Archives, has received significant scholarly attention for its diverse media and many avenues of potential inquiry for contemporary research.
The Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Postdoctoral Curatorial Fellowship follows and builds on a series of collections-based projects in the department of Architecture and Design, including a forthcoming two-year inventory and imaging project for the Bertrand Goldberg collection. This research would also complement recent work on Goff undertaken for the department’s new permanent collection galleries, including a film on the Bruce Goff Ford House that has been shown at several architecture film festivals in the past year. Research on the Goff collection would lay the foundation for a future special exhibition and possible publication, to be honed over coming years. Potential themes of this research include: Goff’s investment in contemporary culture—including science fiction and television—as a source for visionary ideals in architecture; Goff’s complex engagement with sensorial experience in architecture, ranging from the use of unconventional and repurposed materials, to his exploration of the visual dimensions of music in design; Goff’s “outsider” position in postwar America working against a prevailing culture of midcentury conformity. Together with a tight circle of progressive clients and friends, Goff’s work challenged social and artistic norms as well as those defining the built environment in postwar American suburbs, where much of his built work was located. This dimension of his work includes his own personal life and history of professional discrimination based on his sexual orientation.
Responsibilities
Collaborate with curators to set the research agenda for the collection and future exhibition on Bruce Goff
Conduct a thorough bibliographic review of relevant and prevailing narratives on modern and postmodern architecture scholarship, and apply this research to the study of the collection, including a special focus on Goff’s largely unexplored body of abstract and architecture-themed paintings
Collaborate with collection managers and Imaging department to catalogue and photograph works in the collection to establish proper documentation for research and publication
Led by primary source and field research, define a series of themes guiding checklist development for the exhibition. Ideally this phase would include travel to visit extant Goff buildings and meetings with relevant scholars, archivists, and stakeholders
During the last portion of the fellow’s time at the museum, collaborate with the curator to write up findings for various publication avenues, to be developed over the course of the research
Requirements
A Ph.D. degree in art history or a closely related field of visual culture studies, with a strong research focus on the history of architecture, design, and/or the built environment. The ideal candidate would bring a high level of expertise with the history of modern architecture and architectural theory to advance the department’s scholarship on this important collection.
Candidates should submit a CV, a cover letter detailing the candidate’s interest in applying for the fellowship and the skill set(s) the candidate would bring to the position, and a document listing the names of at least three professional references. Upon invitation to interview, further supporting materials (such as writing samples) may be requested. Attachments should be collated into a single PDF document and uploaded as one file.
How to Apply
Please apply directly online at www.artic.edu/careers Position number 10600
The fellowship will begin in September 2019. This is a three-year appointment.
To ensure the fullest possible consideration, please submit your application by April 8. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the post is filled.
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Posted on March 22