Yucef Merhi
The Wolfsonian–FIU Appoints Yucef Merhi as Inaugural
Curator of Digital Collections, Role Funded by Knight Foundation
Merhi, a new media pioneer and interactive designer, sets sights on
enhancing digital engagement and digitizing the museum’s collection of 180,000 objects
MIAMI BEACH (October 8, 2018) — Yucef Merhi has joined The Wolfsonian–Florida International University as the museum’s first-ever curator of digital collections, a new role made possible by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Having started the position in late July 2018, Merhi rounds out The Wolfsonian’s curatorial team with his extensive experience integrating ambitious online and technology-based tools in the galleries and beyond—skills that are integral to the long-term Wolfsonian goal of forging new avenues for visitors to connect with special exhibitions and the permanent collection.
The tech-focused position is one of eight across the country funded by Knight Foundation to help art institutions implement digital strategies that improve the visitor experience and expand audiences.
“A large part of a museum’s success in the digital era depends on its ability to leverage technology to take risks and engage audiences. The Wolfsonian has always presented its permanent collection and special exhibitions in thought-provoking ways. For The Wolf, integrating digital technology into the design of future exhibitions is another example of its innovative approach.” said Victoria Rogers, Knight Foundation vice president for the arts. For the last six years, Knight Foundation has supported The Wolfsonian’s efforts to digitize its collection, primarily for purposes of academic research.
Added Wolfsonian director Tim Rodgers, “With Yucef’s impressive background and expertise, we are well poised to explore the endless possibilities now open to us thanks to the generous support of Knight Foundation. He has a proven track record of visionary innovation that feels incredibly Wolfsonian—thoughtful and smart, but also playful. We look forward to collaborating with him.”
Merhi’s career is deeply rooted in the arts and academia. He earned his bachelor’s in liberal arts at New School University and a master’s of professional studies in interactive telecommunications at New York University, and has lectured and published widely while completing a laundry list of high-profile fellowships, residencies, and commissions with institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Bronx Museum of the Arts, and Eyebeam. He also previously served in curatorial and archival roles at White Box; the 2010 International Biennial of Contemporary Art in Mérida, Venezuela; and Esther Klein Art Gallery at Philadelphia’s Science Center. In addition Merhi founded and directed Canal, a technology-oriented cultural space in Caracas, Venezuela, and has organized and curated new media venues for the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; The Americas Society; Rhizome; and more.
Outside of his professional work, Merhi is an award-winning new media artist whose practice lies at the intersection of language and technology. Past projects include an immersive wallpaper installation displaying a datagram of the hacked personal emails of Hugo Chávez, then candidate for president of Venezuela; a multiplayer poetry game built with vintage Atari consoles; and a 40,000-ft electronic sound visualization that translates real-time sounds into colorful geometric patterns choreographed by voice interaction. He has been featured in dozens of solo and group exhibitions around the world, and his work is held in various public collections including the Orange County Museum of Art and the Library of Congress.
“I am very grateful and honored to join The Wolfsonian,” said Merhi. “The museum’s collection offers intriguing stories from numerous countries and traditions, focusing on a very crucial period of our convoluted modern history. Making sense of this peculiar and diverse web of objects is an incredible task, especially for younger audiences, and I look forward to using dynamic media and applications to unlock exciting interactive experiences for all visitors.”