Lucy Ives' Debut Novel 'Impossible Views of the World' Satirizes Contemporary Curatorial Culture

Lucy Ives's debut novel 'Impossible Views of the World' presents a satirical examination of contemporary curatorial culture through protagonist Stella Krakus, a curator at the fictional Central Museum of Art. Published by Penguin Press in 2017 for $25 in hardcover, the book blends mystery elements with character study as Stella investigates a colleague's disappearance while navigating personal and professional conflicts. The narrative critiques the proliferation of curators over the past decade, noting a tenfold increase in graduate programs despite minimal field growth. Stella works in the Department of American Objects at CeMArt, where her research into museum archives reveals historical intrigues. Her relationships with ex-husband Whit Ghiscolmbe, mother Caro, and colleague Fred Lu illustrate the transactional nature of art world connections. The novel explores how curating functions as authority in an attention economy, positioning curators as both stewards of history and participants in power structures. Stella's character embodies the emotional detachment and bureaucratic complexities of institutional work, with her scholarly investigations providing moments of control and redemption. The book's publication by Penguin brings art world satire to a broader audience, highlighting the insular nature of professional communities.