researcher, joan mitchell catalogue raisonné
Position Summary
The Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné project (JMCR) seeks an experienced Researcher to conduct archival and object-based research. The Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné (JMCR) was established by the Joan Mitchell Foundation (JMF) as a limited liability company to research and produce a definitive art historical record documenting the complete oeuvre of paintings on canvas by Joan Mitchell (1925–1992). The catalogue raisonné is currently in the research phase, moving towards readying material for an initial publication.
The Researcher’s initial focus will be collecting, verifying and updating information and materials related to Joan Mitchell paintings held in Public Collections in the US and abroad. Developing close relationships with these institutions, the Researcher will arrange and conduct painting examinations, coordinate new photography of paintings, manage color-corrections of new and existing photographs of paintings, and consult any relevant, or potentially relevant, public and restricted-access archives. The Researcher will process archival materials and handle queries directed to the Catalogue Raisonné from public institutions. As the project continues, focus will shift to authoring catalogue entries and conducting research (including exams, photography and color correction) on works in private collections.
The Researcher is responsible for meticulous data entry (FileMaker, in adherence with the Chicago Manual of Style/JMCR style guide) and the maintenance of complex digital and paper filing systems. Knowledge of 20th-century art history, painting materials and techniques, standard art-handling protocols and prior experience working on a Catalogue Raisonné project (print or digital) are prerequisites.
A successful candidate will have excellent communication skills and a great ability to multi-task and prioritize. This position requires independent work as well as collaboration within the JMCR team and the wider Joan Mitchell Foundation.
This position is based in the Foundation's New York office with a hybrid (3 days/week in office) schedule. Domestic and international travel is required.
Key Responsibilities Will Include
Public collection outreach: Cultivate relationships, access paintings, archives and other secondary source materials related to Joan Mitchell in museums and institutions across the US and abroad.
Painting Examinations: Schedule and conduct examinations of Joan Mitchell paintings in public collections worldwide; Document the paintings carefully and thoroughly following the guidelines and format established by the JMCR and dictated by the Exam Form.
Photography: Coordinate with photographers, museum staff, art handlers, storage facilities, etc. to arrange or obtain new photography (recto/verso) of paintings in public collections. This will often require hiring a photographer and sometimes art handlers (in both cases, contracts will need to be negotiated and invoices processed.)
Color Correction: In collaboration with the JMCR’s external digital image specialist and JMF’s Digital Asset Manager: order, review, annotate and manage photographic proofs of Mitchell's paintings. This requires checking proofs against the paintings themselves to ensure color and material accuracy for publication and filing file proofs and digital files appropriately.
Data processing: Enter data sourced from primary and secondary source materials into the JMCR database (FileMaker) and file in digital and paper files. (Including, but not limited to, information from submission forms, examinations, fact sheets, correspondence, archives, etc.)
Queries: Respond to inquiries from auction houses, galleries, art advisers, and collectors, on behalf of the JMCR, as needed and in collaboration with the Project Manager.
Administrative: Maintain meticulous paper and digital files; track and file expenses; plan travel, collaborate on and adhere to budgets
Strategic planning: Provide the Project Manager with timelines, updates and proposals related to the completion of research, writing, editing and publishing milestones
Research collaboration & knowledge sharing: Collaborate with the Legacy team to strategize and coordinate research, documentation and communication. Report out relevant findings in group meetings.