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Heather Hakimzadeh
Curator at Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
Heather Hakimzadeh is the Curator at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), with a strong background in art history, specializing in contemporary and modern art. She has been instrumental in organizing over 75 exhibitions, showcasing a diverse range of artists from local talents to internationally acclaimed figures. Heather's exceptional curation skills have significantly elevated MOCA's reputation both locally and across the globe.
Before making significant contributions to MOCA, Heather pursued her academic achievements, earning a Master's Degree in Art History from The George Washington University. Prior to that, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Old Dominion University and a Bachelor of Science from Carnegie Mellon University. This academic foundation has undoubtedly enriched her work as a curator, enabling her to bring a deep understanding of art and its historical context to her exhibitions.
Heather Hakimzadeh's professional journey includes valuable experiences outside the art world. Before her role at MOCA, she served as an Educator at the Phillip's Collection in Washington, DC, balancing her work with the pursuit of higher education. Additionally, Heather has a remarkable background in the United States Navy, where she excelled as an intelligence officer, showcasing her diverse skill set and adaptability.
Heather's recent contributions to contemporary art include curating notable exhibitions such as Inka Essenhigh: A Fine Line, Rest of History, and Todd Schorr: Atomic Cocktail, all of which have garnered significant attention and critical acclaim. She has also lent her expertise to publications like Inka Essenhigh's monograph and the catalogue for the exhibition Turn the Page: The First Ten Years of Hi-Fructose, further solidifying her impact in the art world.
Heather Hakimzadeh's professional strengths lie in project management, coupled with her deep understanding of art history, particularly modern and contemporary art. Her impressive tenure at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art underscores her commitment to fostering creativity, diversity, and artistic excellence within the institution and the broader art community.
