Torontonian Corrinne Chong has made the move to Philadelphia, where she is an assistant curator at the renowned Barnes Foundation. (Julie Vetro photo)
When Corrinne Chong joined the Philadelphia gallery scene in a prominent role, she became the second Canadian to take on a leadership position in one of the world’s most esteemed and respected destination for art lovers.
Chong was named as an assistant curator at the Barnes Foundation in December 2022. That appointment followed the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s hiring of Sasha Suda, formerly the director of the National Art Gallery of Canada, as its CEO last June.
A pair of Canadians impacting the art scene in the same American big city is both a credit to Canada’s ascendance in the arts and an endorsement of Philadelphia’s appeal.
A Torontonian, Chong has a deep background in 19th-century French art history, an attribute that serves her well at the Barnes, noted for its collection of Renoir and Matisse.
Vacay.ca interviewed her by email about the position, what Canadians who visit Philadelphia can expect, and how her home country influenced her view of the world.
Vacay.ca: For people, especially Canadians, who aren’t familiar with the Barnes Foundation, what are some of the notable features that make it worth a visit?
Corrinne Chong: The Barnes Foundation is home to the most important private collections of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art in the world. Our number of paintings by Auguste Renoir is unsurpassed and our collection of Cezanne, Matisse, and Picasso paintings is just as enviable. As a historian of French art, everyday access to such a wealth of works is a dream, as the potential for new scholarship is endless. Stepping back, you realize all this was essentially the passion project of one man: our founder, Dr. Albert C. Barnes. Equally remarkable in my view, is his progressive vision: Our works on paper, paintings, sculptures, decorative objects, and furniture, are displayed in ensembles that transcend genre, cultures, and media to promote a rich and multivalent dialogue. Lastly, one of the most admirable aspects of the foundation is our commitment to education; this core value pervades our programming, exhibitions, and the dedication of our instructors and docents.
Vacay.ca: In what ways did your work at the Art Gallery of Ontario help you be prepared for your role at the Barnes?
Chong: The Art Gallery of Ontario is situated in one of most socio-economically diverse neighbourhoods in the most ethnically diverse city in the world: Toronto. During my time there, I’ve learned first-hand how museums and galleries can both reflect and engage local communities to further intercultural understanding, inclusion, and accessibility. These values align with my own convictions as an educator, visible minority, and curator at the Barnes Foundation where we continually strive to mirror the diversity of Philadelphia’s regional population in its exhibitions, education offerings, and public programs. My former career as a teacher has also played a vital role in my transition from the classroom to the museum, specifically at the Barnes, as our education mission is inseparable from our collection and interactions with visitors.
Vacay.ca: You’re the second notable Torontonian to be hired by a major art institution in Philadelphia. Is that coincidence? Or do you think there is something about Canadian art professionals that is particularly appealing right now? And, conversely, what is it about Philadelphia that you find attractive?
Chong: Likely a coincidence although I do have to say that Canadian museums are at the forefront of creating exhibitions that address issues of social awareness, racial identity, and, most notably, Indigenous topics. Canadian professionals also bring a unique global perspective to our practice, given the country’s ethnically diverse population — especially in cultural centres like Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.
As for your last question, Canadians are a friendly lot, as are Philadelphians! I felt very much at home during my first visit to Philadelphia in 2017 and knew right there and then that I would love to establish my career here. Obvious incentives for my move are the city’s historical importance, vibrant cultural life, architectural landmarks, and generous public parks and green spaces.
The collection at the Barnes Foundation, located on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, is a reason why Philadelphia is considered a global leader in the art world. (Adrian Brijbassi photo for Vacay.ca)
Vacay.ca: What can visitors can look forward to seeing at the Barnes in 2023?
Chong: We are excited to present our upcoming summer exhibition, William Edmondson: A Monumental Vision, which is the first major East Coast exhibition in decades dedicated to the work of self-taught American sculptor William Edmondson. Though Edmondson was considered one of the most important Black artists of the American South in the early 20th century, in-depth attention to his work has been sporadic. This exhibition, which is co-curated by my colleagues James Claiborne and Nancy Ireson, sheds new light on Edmondson’s practice and artistry and explores the artist and his oeuvre within the context of African-American social history. We’re looking forward to the conversations this exhibition will provoke.
MORE ABOUT THE BARNES FOUNDATION
Location: 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA (see map below)
Hours: Thursday-Monday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Adult entry fee is $25; children under 12 enter for free. Full admission prices can be found on the gallery’s website.
