Art-world consultants Chen & Lampert present a satirical quiz for contemporary art curators who came of age in the mid-2000s and now face the challenges of middle age—mortgages, school-age children, and dwindling energy for the nightlife that once fueled their careers. The quiz poses ten multiple-choice questions testing whether a curator can stay relevant without partying every night, touching on topics like referencing artists in talks, responding to young artists, and keeping up with art news and trends.
The piece matters because it humorously critiques the pressure on curators to maintain cultural currency in a fast-moving, youth-obsessed art world, while also acknowledging the burnout and absurdity that can accompany long-term institutional careers. By framing these dilemmas as a game, the article offers a lighthearted but pointed commentary on ageism, authenticity, and the evolving social dynamics of the art industry.