Chris Whitten has been with the Museum for almost three years. He began as a Collection manager intern, later worked as a part-time Registrar Assistant, and is now the Assistant Registrar.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love my job. I get to know the Collection inside and out. With so many works to care for, I’m always finding something that may have been overlooked, like a title on the back or a work that has been in storage for such a long time.
What’s your favorite work in the Collection and why?
Working with the Collection every day, I get to see a lot of works that haven’t been out on exhibition in a long time if ever. So my answer is I have too many favorite works within the Collection.
What’s your favorite menu item from our rooftop café?
I really enjoy the mushroom quiche with a cup of tomato soup.
What do you like to do when you’re not at the Museum?
When I am not working I enjoy playing video games, watching football, reading graphic novels, going to concerts, and hanging out with my friends.
What topic would you like to see addressed through curation?
The impact of musicians choosing their album cover artwork. Did the artwork inspire a song or its lyrics? Why this design to capture the audience attention? For example why did the Talking Heads pick Robert Rauschenberg for their album “Speaking in Tongues” or Killswitch Engage’s album “Atonement” designed by artist Richey Beckett. The list of bands collaborating with artists could go on and on.
