Head of seminars
Sergio Valenzuela-Escobedo is an artist and dedicated researcher with a multifaceted career in the fields of curation and editorial work, both within Chile and internationally. Since 2016, he has exhibited his curatorial prowess through remarkable showcases such as *Mapuche* at the Musée de l’Homme in Paris, Monsanto: A Photographic Investigation which, under his vigilant stewardship, embarked on a global tour, *Geometric Forests* at Les Rencontres d’Arles 2022, and the captivating trilogy *Mama Coca*, *Ipáamamu – Stories of Wawaim* and *Oro Verde*at Fotofestiwal in Lodz 2023. With an extensive portfolio of exhibition projects and curatorial experiences, Valenzuela-Escobedo is passionately engaged in the intersection of photographic practices and presentation within physical and editorial realms. His particular interests lie in exploring emerging forms of photography as a research-driven artistic endeavor, considering exhibitions as platforms for critical discourse, and examining the influences of modernism and pre-Columbian contexts on contemporary art.
He serves as a bridge between research, education, and curatorial practice, effectively linking two continents, the Americas and Europe. Through his research, he sheds light on the intricate relationship between art and politics in the evolving decolonial landscape of the 21st century. Valenzuela-Escobedo holds a PhD in Photography from the École Nationale Supérieure de la Photographie (ENSP) in Arles, France. Beyond his academic achievements, he also assumes the role of artistic director and co-founder of doubledummy studio, an innovative platform dedicated to fostering critical discourse and reflections on documentary photography. His contributions to the field are further exemplified by his participation as a jury member for the Arles Book Award in 2023, a collaboration between the Chilean Ministry of Culture, the French Institute of Chile, and Cité internationale des arts. Additionally, he is a member of the International Association of Art Critics (AICA). Valenzuela-Escobedo's critical insights find their voice in specialized publications such as Inframince (France), 1000words (London), and Mirà (Monaco), where he regularly shares thought-provoking texts.
