When things work:

When artists choose to show work together at the same time and in the same space, this type of group show has a certain chemistry in its togetherness. I used to know a curator (let us keep the name anonymous) who was hugely concerned with the chemistry of the artists’ work when it was placed together. She would even worry about the placement of work in the next room, since she felt that the pieces on each side of the wall would be able to communicate through the wall. Unfortunately, we are seeing this type of curator less and less often.

When things don’t work:

When a curator proposes a theme and puts works by a large group of artists together without any relationship to each other.

What would be different if the next Documenta were curated by an artist? It would have a subjective view where that artist chooses the work to which he or she most feels a connection. I think it would be an interesting contribution and a refreshing perspective on the history of Documenta.