Introduction
The curatorial rationale is one of the most important parts of your IB Visual Arts exhibition. While your artworks speak visually, the rationale explains your choices, giving examiners insight into your thinking. A strong rationale shows coherence, reflection, and intentionality — all of which can help boost your exhibition grade.
This guide will explain how to write the IB Visual Arts curatorial rationale step by step, with tips to make it clear, reflective, and examiner-ready.
What Is the Curatorial Rationale?
The curatorial rationale is a short written statement (HL: up to 700 words, SL: up to 400 words) where you:
- Explain your theme or concept.
- Justify the selection of artworks.
- Describe your curatorial decisions (placement, order, space).
- Reflect on how your works show growth, variety, and coherence.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing the Rationale
1. Start With Your Theme
- Introduce your central idea (e.g., identity, environment, memory).
- Explain why you chose it and what it means to you personally.
2. Explain Artwork Selection
- Discuss why you chose specific works.
- Highlight how each piece connects to your theme.
- Mention variety (media, styles, scales).
3. Describe the Curation Process
- Explain how you organized works in space.
- Mention decisions about order, lighting, or grouping.
- Show intentionality in presentation.
4. Reflect on Growth and Development
- Talk about challenges and risk-taking.
- Show how your ideas evolved over time.
- Highlight your personal voice and artistic journey.
5. Conclude With Impact
- State what you want the audience to feel or think.
- Reflect on how the exhibition represents you as an artist.
Example Rationale Structure
- Introduction: My exhibition explores the theme of identity and memory.
- Selection: Each artwork connects through symbolism of objects from childhood.
- Curation: Works are arranged chronologically to show personal growth.
- Reflection: Failures in early paintings led me to explore collage and photography.
- Conclusion: The exhibition invites viewers to question how memory shapes identity.
Tips for a Strong Rationale
- Write clearly — avoid overcomplicated language.
- Keep it personal — your voice should come through.
- Be specific — explain choices instead of making vague statements.
- Balance theme and technique — show both conceptual and technical awareness.
- Stay within word limits (HL: 700, SL: 400).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing only about techniques, not ideas.
- Being too vague (“I wanted to show emotions”).
- Ignoring curatorial choices like placement and lighting.
- Forgetting to connect rationale to assessment criteria.
- Overloading with unnecessary details.
FAQs on the Curatorial Rationale
Q1: Do I need to explain every single artwork in detail?
No, focus on how works collectively support your theme. Mention individual works only when necessary.
Q2: Can I use first-person voice in the rationale?
Yes — examiners expect a reflective and personal tone.
Q3: How important is the rationale compared to the artworks?
Very. A weak rationale can lower your grade even if your works are strong.
Q4: Do I need to include cultural context in the rationale?
Yes, if relevant to your theme. Showing awareness of context strengthens your rationale.
Q5: Should I draft multiple versions?
Yes. Write drafts, get feedback, and refine for clarity and coherence.
Conclusion
The IB Visual Arts curatorial rationale is your chance to explain your artistic vision and curatorial decisions. By focusing on theme, selection, presentation, and reflection, you’ll write a rationale that not only satisfies examiner expectations but also strengthens the impact of your exhibition. Clear, reflective writing can turn good artworks into a great exhibition.
