Darsie Alexander, who became Walker Art Center's chief curator in November, oversees the center's collections, shows and events. A graduate of Bates College in Maine, she has an M.A. from Williams College in Massachusetts and was a curatorial fellow at the Busch-Reisinger Museum at Harvard. Since her arrival, Alexander, 44, has been planning a reinstallation of art from the Walker's collection that she thinks is the most important, interesting and relevant today. That show will open in November.
In her skylit office, she recently talked about her work. Excerpts follow.
Q What was your first museum job?
A I was assistant photography curator at the Museum of Modern Art from 1998 to 2000. That's where my professional career began, but I started my work as a check-in clerk at the Park Plaza hotel in Boston from about 1989 to 90. My peak moment there was checking in Susan Sontag. I gave her an upgrade because academics are always staying in cheap rooms.
Q Where were you before you came to the Walker?
A Baltimore Museum of Art. I was head of the contemporary art program here. They have a 14,000-square-foot wing with a great minimalist collection built in the 1970s.
Q How does the Walker compare?
A The art scene here is much more sophisticated. No, I don't want to use that word. More layered with big institutions and specialized institutions that serve niche art forms, from books to prints to ceramics. The challenge here is to balance big international exhibitions with those that specifically serve this community.
