I would go from one city to the next, inspired by the monks in the Middle Ages, who would carry knowledge from one monastery to the next monastery.

Hans-Ulrich Obrist’s quote, “I would go from one city to the next, inspired by the monks in the Middle Ages, who would carry knowledge from one monastery to the next monastery,” reflects his vision of curating and sharing culture as a continuous journey. He compares his work of traveling between cities and cultural hubs to the efforts of medieval monks, who preserved and spread knowledge across Europe by carrying manuscripts and ideas from monastery to monastery.

The meaning of this quote lies in the idea of cultural transmission. Obrist highlights that just as monks once safeguarded and circulated knowledge, he sees his role in the art world as moving between cities to share creativity, ideas, and artistic dialogue. The metaphor suggests that the spread of culture depends on individuals who dedicate themselves to carrying and connecting knowledge across communities.

The origin of this perspective comes from Obrist’s career as a Swiss art curator and historian, widely recognized for his innovative approach to exhibitions. Known for traveling extensively and working globally, he often describes himself as a “knowledge nomad.” His inspiration from monks reflects his belief that art and ideas must move fluidly across borders, echoing the historical role of monasteries as centers of preservation and exchange of wisdom.

Ultimately, Obrist’s words emphasize the timeless importance of sharing and preserving knowledge. By linking the medieval monks’ mission to his own work, he situates contemporary art and culture within a broader historical tradition of caretaking and dissemination. His quote underscores the idea that culture thrives when it is carried, exchanged, and nurtured across cities and generations.