Ann Dumas Quotations

On the one hand, we're trying to produce a very well-rounded, balanced and varied selection of Degas because this is the first major Degas exhibition there's been in Atlanta. At the same time we're trying to tell the story about the history of Degas in America.

There are so many exhibitions now, ... particularly in this very popular area of 19th-century French painting, that you're always in competition with other people. And if you can really turn up and make your case, it really makes a big difference from just writing the letters.

The problem is that a lot of people want to study art history; far more people study it than there are available professional opportunities later. But I think for the ones that are really serious and really stay on and do interesting work at graduate level, there will continue to be opportunities.

With each one (exhibition) you do, you build on a sort of critical mass of a reputation, which counts for quite a lot. With each show it counts for more.

The downside of it is that there's not the security of a regular job, and you don't always have that sort of institutional backing. But it suits me. I enjoy it.