Moments and Modernism has been the talk of the Gallery this summer, as it unearths from the vault many classics of the Collection. Curator Debbie Johnsen is our Manager of Modern and Contemporary Collections, and those of us who have worked with Debbie for a long time know her as the glue that keeps this department running! She holds a wealth of information, and is not someone who usually gets the spotlight, so we’re thrilled she is joining us to share all of her insights into this show she co-curated with Director & CEO, Stephan Jost.

We’re grateful Debbie’s able to join us in a busy summer season to share all the behind-the-scenes information that volunteers love. This talk is for all volunteers! We know timing is tight, so please rest assured this talk will be recorded and shared for those who can’t make it.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86538431876?pwd=14BiPd8EYnK8wC6qd4OFa6CbaGZxUb.1

Meeting ID: 865 3843 1876
Passcode: 736314

Debbie Johnsen

Manager, Modern & Contemporary Collections

Selected AGO exhibitions:
Moments in Modernism (2024)
Bright Signs: Spotlight on Video Art (2024)

Background: Prior to becoming the Manager, Modern & Contemporary Collections at the AGO in 2023, Debbie Johnsen worked in various roles in the Gallery’s Department of Modern & Contemporary Art since 2011, most recently as Curatorial Coordinator. She provided key support for major exhibitions such as Brian Jungen: Friendship Centre (2019), Vija Celmins: To Fix the Image in Memory (2019) and Theaster Gates: How to Build a House Museum (2016). As Manager, Modern & Contemporary Collections, Debbie is responsible for the custodianship, research, and installation of the Modern & Contemporary Collections. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Art History from the University of Toronto.