Abby Wright Day
ahwphotographs@gmail.com
Curator and exhibition leader with extensive experience conceptualizing, managing and executing complex exhibitions. Specializes in original historical research, photographic research and art acquisition. Builds strong relationships with photographers, artists, estates and foundations.
At Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, developed and led six or more exhibitions annually within a public museum setting. Directed projects from initial research and concept through exhibition design, acquisition, fabrication and installation. Worked closely with artists, photographers, estates and foundations while maintaining responsibility for production, budgets and timelines.
Projects included exhibitions with Patti Smith and Olivia Harrison as well as collaborations with the Calder Foundation, Gordon Parks Foundation and Lynn Goldsmith. For George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life, researched the history of Friar Park and worked extensively with archival material from the Harrison estate. Selected and acquired photographic material and developed exhibition elements throughout the space. Most notably, created a botanical wallpaper for the Harrisons based on the gardens and archival imagery. Olivia Harrison has since enquired about having the wallpaper installed at Friar Park.
Frequently lectures on contemporary photography and visual culture and serves as a resource for scholars, collectors and the general public. Independent photographic work has been exhibited at Tate Modern, the Saatchi Gallery and The Ringling Museum. Holds an MA in Contemporary Photography: Practices and Philosophies from Central Saint Martins and a BFA in Photography from the School of Visual Arts.