The Tate desperately needs a radical overhaul, and the appointment of Jessica Morgan as its new director raises critical questions about the institution's future. With a legacy of four museums spanning British art from 1500 to the present, Tate faces mounting pressure to evolve its curatorial vision and address long-standing issues.
Why Tate Needs a Radical Overhaul
Tate's structure as a top-heavy montage of four museums has led to self-inflicted problems. From a chronologically parched exhibition schedule at Tate Britain to over-hyped shows like the problematic Frida Kahlo exhibition at Tate Modern, the institution struggles with self-questioning. The lack of a proper plan for older British art—rarely venturing back to Tudor or Stuart eras—demonstrates a disconnect between its collection and its programming. Even the highly anticipated Tuba Hall installation by Máret Ánne Sara was widely criticized as dire, raising questions about internal oversight.
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Jessica Morgan: Agent of Change or Business as Usual?
Jessica Morgan arrives from the Dia Art Foundation in the US with a stellar reputation as a curator of contemporary art. However, her background suggests she may continue Tate's comfort zone with new art, rather than addressing the need for historical depth. While Tate Modern can produce magnificent shows like the Ana Mendieta exhibition, it also suffers from unforced errors that hint at a lack of critical self-reflection. Whether Morgan can break this pattern remains uncertain.
Comparison: Previous Tate Leadership vs. New Direction
| Aspect | Previous Era | Potential Under Morgan |
|---|---|---|
| Exhibition Focus | Heavy on modern/contemporary, ignoring older British art | Unclear; may continue contemporary bias |
| Critical Oversight | Lack of pre-mortems; errors like Kahlo show | Hope for more rigorous internal review |
| Audience Engagement | Mixed; some hits (Mendieta) and misses | Unknown; needs to balance old and new |
Key Takeaways for Tate's Future
- Historical depth: Tate must systematically showcase its British art from 1500 onward, not just Victorian and later works.
- Curatorial accountability: Implement pre-mortems to catch problematic exhibitions before public scrutiny.
- Institutional self-critique: Foster a culture where internal feedback is valued and acted upon.
- Director's mandate: Jessica Morgan should prioritize a comprehensive art plan, not just contemporary trends.
FAQ: Tate's Overhaul and New Director
What are the main challenges facing Tate?
Tate struggles with an exhibition schedule that neglects older British art, a lack of critical self-review leading to unforced errors like the Frida Kahlo show, and a top-heavy structure that stifles innovation.
Will Jessica Morgan bring real change to Tate?
While Morgan is a highly rated curator, her background in contemporary art may keep Tate in its comfort zone. Real change requires a radical shift to include historical programming and improved internal oversight.
How can Tate improve its exhibitions?
Tate should implement pre-mortem reviews before exhibitions open, balance contemporary shows with historical works, and create a coherent plan for its British art collection from 1500 onward.
In conclusion, Tate's new director faces a monumental task. The institution's survival and relevance depend on embracing a broader artistic narrative and fostering a culture of honest self-appraisal. Only then can Tate truly evolve beyond its current state.
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