Carmen is a writer and researcher from Madrid, Spain. She graduated from the MRes Art: Exhibition Studies at Central Saint Martins in 2024.
Why did you choose to study MRes Art: Exhibition Studies at Central Saint Martins (CSM)?I studied BA Culture, Criticism and Curation at CSM for my undergraduate studies. During my second year of the BA, I had a very inspiring teacher, Yaiza, who introduced us to the foundations of decolonial and anticolonial thought, the problems inherent in the modern museum, and alternative histories of engaging with cultural objects. This completely transformed the way I approached my work—both academically and otherwise—and left me feeling there was still so much more to learn. Yaiza then introduced me to the work of Afterall, a research organisation connected to the MRes programme. While still studying my undergraduate course, I attended several of their lectures. When I completed my BA in the summer of 2020, the MRes pathway leaders kindly reached out and invited me to consider applying to the course. It was a generous and timely opportunity to continue engaging with ways of thinking and working that I felt I had only just begun to explore.
What have you been working on since graduating? I’ve always worked in cultural institutions alongside my studies, and I continued to do so after graduating. Unless you’re wealthy, living in London doesn’t leave you much choice but to charge for your labour—it’s an expensive city, but it also offers opportunities for collaboration and engagement. I’ve held a range of roles—from curatorial and press work to operations and front of house. These experiences were enriching and kept me grounded in practical contexts, providing a valuable point of comparison with theory. They reminded me that my academic work wasn’t abstract or detached; it was informed by experience. These roles also helped me understand what paths I didn’t want to pursue and reaffirmed my love for knowledge. Alongside this, I’ve maintained my writing practice, publishing articles with Worms Magazine and Afterall, which continues to bring me joy. Currently, I’m about to embark on a PhD at Columbia University.
What was the most interesting project you worked on during your time on the course? My time on the Master’s was shaped by online teaching due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In that context, the Individual Research Project—the final and most extensive piece of research—was particularly meaningful. It gave me time for trial and error, as well as space for deep documentation around my research question. It also brought me closer to the passions and interests of my coursemates, creating a shared sense of discovery. Engaging with the MRes faculty was hugely formative. It was powerful to witness how coherently their theoretical teachings aligned with their actions and commitments—both within and beyond the university.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course? Don’t forget the joy of learning and the importance of sharing while learning. Also, make full use of the library system and the wealth of resources available to you—they’re incredible tools.
What was the highlight of your Central Saint Martins experience? I was recently invited to give a lecture on the MRes in Exhibition Studies, reflecting on my research journey. It felt like a beautiful ribbon tying together the seven and a half years I’ve spent in London—years that have been deeply formative and exciting. As I prepare to move to New York City for my PhD, I realise that CSM was the reason I moved to London in the first place. My entire adult life—ages 17 to 25—has unfolded here. In that way, CSM is inseparable from how my life looks today: the friendships that have shaped me and will continue to accompany me; the references that have guided both my personal and professional interests; and the sentimental geography of my youth, which is imprinted on London. And it all started because of CSM.
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