Overcurated

Overcurated is a term used to describe a situation where content, collections, or presentations have been subjected to excessive or overly meticulous selection and arrangement. This can manifest in various contexts, from art exhibitions and museum displays to digital content feeds and personal portfolios. The core idea is that the curation process has gone beyond what is considered necessary or beneficial, potentially leading to a strained or artificial outcome.

In the realm of digital content, overcuration might refer to a social media feed that feels too polished and lacks spontaneity, or a website whose design prioritizes a highly curated aesthetic over user-friendliness or a comprehensive display of information. For example, an online store might overcurate its product selection to the point where it feels limited or fails to represent a wider range of options. Similarly, a personal blog that meticulously edits every post and image might be considered overcurated, appearing less authentic.

In physical spaces, such as galleries or museums, overcuration could result in an exhibition that feels overly didactic or restricted in its interpretation, leaving little room for visitor engagement or individual perspective. The selection of items might be so focused on a singular narrative that it neglects other valid viewpoints or excludes potentially valuable pieces. The effect of overcuration is often a sense of control that is too heavy-handed, diminishing the natural flow, diversity, or perceived authenticity of the subject matter.