Clarrie Wallis is one of the most respected and influential figures in the British art world. Over the past two decades, she has played a pivotal role in curating groundbreaking exhibitions, supporting emerging artists, and expanding the reach of contemporary art to wider communities. Her journey from being a curator at Tate to becoming the Director of Turner Contemporary in Margate is marked by creativity, leadership, and an unyielding commitment to public engagement with art. Today, her name is synonymous with excellence in curatorial practice and vision for the future of museums.
Early Career and Entry into the Art World
Clarrie Wallis began her professional journey with a deep passion for art history and visual culture. Her academic grounding provided her with a sharp eye for interpretation, while her early roles in the gallery world allowed her to gain first-hand experience in exhibition making. By the late 1990s, she had secured a position at Tate, one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the world. This step marked the beginning of a career that would shape the landscape of contemporary British art for years to come.
Two Decades at Tate
At Tate, Clarrie Wallis rose to prominence as a curator and later became the Senior Curator of Contemporary Art (British). Her tenure at Tate was characterised by a combination of intellectual rigour and imaginative presentation. She not only curated solo exhibitions for internationally acclaimed artists but also developed innovative projects that engaged the wider public.
Some of her most memorable contributions include major retrospectives and thematic shows that showcased the work of artists such as Patrick Caulfield, Mona Hatoum, Richard Long, and Mark Wallinger. These exhibitions were praised for their ability to balance scholarly depth with accessibility, allowing both experts and general audiences to experience contemporary art in fresh and meaningful ways.
Championing Emerging Artists
One of the hallmarks of Clarrie Wallis’s career has been her commitment to supporting young and emerging artists. She revitalised Tate’s Art Now programme, which became a vital platform for new voices in contemporary practice. Many artists who participated in the programme went on to achieve international recognition, demonstrating her keen ability to identify and nurture talent.
Her curatorial philosophy has always placed emphasis on innovation, risk-taking, and the importance of giving space to diverse perspectives. By doing so, she has ensured that institutions like Tate and Turner Contemporary remain not only relevant but also dynamic in addressing the rapidly changing art world.
Landmark Exhibitions and Projects
Clarrie Wallis’s portfolio of exhibitions is both wide-ranging and impressive. Among her most celebrated projects was Steve McQueen: Year 3, a landmark exhibition at Tate Britain in 2019. This project involved photographing more than 76,000 children from London’s primary schools, reflecting themes of identity, diversity, and the shared experience of growing up in the capital. It became one of the largest art projects of its kind in Britain, highlighting her ability to bridge contemporary practice with public engagement.
She also curated Mike Nelson: The Asset Strippers in 2019, which transformed Tate Britain’s Duveen Galleries into a space filled with industrial machinery and fragments of Britain’s manufacturing past. The exhibition resonated strongly with debates about industry, labour, and the nation’s shifting identity. Similarly, her exhibitions with artists like Cerith Wyn Evans and Tacita Dean reinforced her reputation for staging conceptually rich and visually arresting shows.
Transition to Turner Contemporary
In 2022, Clarrie Wallis was appointed Director of Turner Contemporary in Margate, one of the UK’s leading contemporary art galleries. Designed by the acclaimed architect David Chipperfield, the gallery is not only an architectural landmark but also a hub for artistic innovation on the Kent coast.
Under her leadership, Turner Contemporary has continued to strengthen its reputation as a gallery that connects local communities with global art. Her vision for the gallery emphasises inclusivity, education, and the role of art in transforming lives. The appointment was celebrated across the sector, as many saw it as an inspired choice to lead the gallery into its next chapter.
Recognition and Awards
Clarrie Wallis’s contributions have been recognised through numerous accolades. In 2023, she and artist Steve McQueen were awarded the £150,000 Ampersand Foundation Award for their exhibition Resistance. The project explored how photography has shaped perceptions of protest in Britain throughout the twentieth century, combining rigorous research with powerful imagery.
This recognition further cemented her status as a curator who not only understands the historical and political dimensions of art but also knows how to bring those dimensions to the public in an engaging way.
Role in International Organisations
Her influence extends beyond the UK. In 2023, Clarrie Wallis joined CIMAM (the International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art), an organisation that brings together museum professionals from across the globe. Through this involvement, she contributes to international discussions about the role of museums in a rapidly changing society.
Her voice within such organisations underscores her belief in the transformative power of art—not only as an aesthetic experience but as a force for social and cultural dialogue.
Vision and Philosophy
At the core of Clarrie Wallis’s career is a belief in the power of art to engage, challenge, and inspire. Her curatorial style avoids elitism and instead fosters connection, ensuring that exhibitions resonate with diverse audiences. She has consistently demonstrated that art should be a space where difficult conversations can take place and where communities can see themselves reflected.
Her leadership at Turner Contemporary continues to reflect this philosophy. Programmes under her direction focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and accessibility, ensuring that the gallery serves as a cultural home for everyone, regardless of background.
Influence on Future Generations
Beyond the exhibitions and awards, Clarrie Wallis’s legacy lies in her mentorship of young curators and her dedication to building supportive frameworks for artists. Her impact is felt not only in the galleries she has led but also in the careers of those she has guided and inspired. Many young professionals in the art sector view her as a role model for her balance of intellectual vision, practical skill, and ethical responsibility.
Why Clarrie Wallis Matters Today
In a time when cultural institutions face pressures from economic challenges, shifting social dynamics, and the need for greater representation, leaders like Clarrie Wallis are more important than ever. Her work highlights how museums and galleries can be both places of aesthetic enjoyment and critical engagement with pressing issues. By steering Turner Contemporary with such clarity, she ensures that the institution remains relevant and resilient.
Conclusion
Clarrie Wallis is not just a curator and director; she is a cultural leader whose vision continues to shape the future of contemporary art in the UK and beyond. From her curatorial triumphs at Tate to her leadership at Turner Contemporary, she has proven herself to be a figure of immense influence. Her exhibitions have sparked debate, her projects have reached tens of thousands, and her philosophy ensures that art remains a vital part of society.
As Turner Contemporary enters its new era under her leadership, the art world watches with anticipation for the innovations and transformations she will bring. For those interested in learning more about her work and the gallery she leads, further information can be found directly on Turner Contemporary’s official website.
