The practices of curating and art writing share a compelling kinship: both contruct meaningful narratives about artworks and artists, each engages with audiences of viewers and readers, and creates spaces…

The practices of curating and art writing share a compelling kinship: both contruct meaningful narratives about artworks and artists, each engages with audiences of viewers and readers, and creates spaces for experiencing art. Curators and art writers both tap from the primary source: the living artist, their work and world. An essential tool for curators and art writers alike is the dialogue with the artist. Their proximity to makers allows them to delve into artistic processes, and consider things in a state of becoming. 

Beautiful Madness considers curatorial practices and art writing as vibrant, creative forces with a commitment to nurturing both artists and their creations, in order to forge transformative spaces where art is activated. The book celebrates curating as a dance between intuition and intellect, and illuminates the realm of art writing. This dynamic form of writing invites readers on an intimate journey of the discovery of artworks and artists.

Mark Kremer has been collaborating with artists for decades. Beautiful Madness accumulates his writings on contemporary art (1993–2023). The book gathers pieces along lines of affinity, themes, and attitudes, structured in five topics: Trace; Gesture; Rudiment; Polyphony; Fortitude. It mirrors his experiences with art curating, writing, thinking and is of value to anybody who wants to sharpen their pen, and rethink what curating might mean.