
My name is Paola Poletto. My practice-research is research from creation: this blog begins with a photo series that reflects upon the work I do as an artist, while working within the institutional framework of the Art Gallery of Ontario, within the academic context of The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University.
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This is my work office. It includes Heather Goodchild's I'D RATHER BE WORKING poster, left, surrounded by some of my unentitled's; a cell shaped felt carpet I bought at The Textile Museum store; art made by my kids; Barbie clothes knit by my dad's friend, Anna, for my kids, which we glued to file folders and framed; a gold frame that once held an Alex Colville; and two well-used green chairs I inherited from David Wistow and Katherine Lochnan's offices. |
A series of 60 images, numbered and called Glitch, were taken over the period of May 2021 – February, 2022. They are accompanied by a series of texts that make a space that holds the multiple roles I occupy, specifically as artist and museum learning director, and those relationships that I also engage in as a museum visitor with visitors; as museum staff with staff, and as a community participant amongst communities.
The images and words here attempt to bring together the museum’s interests with my digital and non-digital self --- as outputs --- for systemic and networked outcomes. With a focus on staff, people and communities, aligned to Tools and approaches for transforming museum experience, Cooper Hewitt Interaction Lab – Smithsonian Design Museum, I propose developing a multi-voiced museum experience map of these 3 things – staff-people-communities – to envision a future-forward museum model with meaningful social impact beyond my own position.
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