Journalism and plain language as tools to bring audiences closer to contemporary art

Abstract

Using complicated language to write about contemporary art is ubiquitous: impenetrable jargon and unintelligible vocabulary are present everywhere, from journalism to curatorial texts, from press releases to exhibition labels. This dissertation examines how complicated language can build barriers between the contemporary art world and the public, making it difficult for audiences to relate to art. However, contemporary art should be accessible to everyone. This dissertation proposes an approach to writing and talking about art that enhances accessibility, empathy, and sensibility. Showing how journalism and plain language can be used as tools to bring contemporary art and the public closer together, this research creates correlations between four broad fields – contemporary art, journalism, language, and mediation. Finally, the platform Bigorna is analyzed as an example. We need more professionals working in favor of the accessibility of contemporary art, and this dissertation shows writers this responsibility is in their hands and within their reach.

Date of Award	28 Nov 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Luísa Santos (Supervisor)