Francesca Lowe 'Madonna's Legacy' Oil on canvas 2010
From the relatively familiar climes of LA to the unknown frontier of Klaipėda in Lithuania, I am now switching attention to a show I’m assisting on at the Klaipėda Culture Communication Centre.
‘3worldsin1’ will consist of a ‘Polemically Small’ section; an Iranian section; and ‘London International’, where we will show photography, assemblage, sculpture, installation and video by London based British and International artists.
I will also participate in the latter section as an artist. Currently at deadline point for the multiple strands of deliveries, collection, catalogue entries etc I’m looking forward to going to this old sea port for the first time to install the show later in the month. One huge benefit about being in such an international business is discovering so many interesting cities in so many countries that otherwise one might just not get to. New York, Rome, Berlin all come to mind – all cities that are now very familiar by having to go and work art fairs or launch shows. And by working rather than touring one is automatically ingratiated into the fabric of such cities.
Gavin Tremlett 'Amusement 10' Oil, charcoal & graphite on paper 2010
Another illustration of the artworld’s internationalism will be perfectly on view in Basel this month. Akin to a travelling circus, galleries, curators, collectors and public will alight at the Swiss city for a week of frenetic activity. Art Basel is of course the main attraction but it is the satellite events that hold most interest for many people.
Basel Liste is always worth seeing but the strongest and most important satellite event is always Volta. Gallery artist Gavin Tremlett should be on show with his German gallery Loock and Nika Neelova will feature with Jarmuschek + Partner. Basel will be one of those weeks in the calendar as with Frieze, Armory and Miami Basel where the artworld will descend for a feeding frenzy.
Deadline is also approaching for applications for our August juried show ‘Anthology’, extended from 1 June to 15 June. Over the last month we have received hundreds of applications and there is some great quality work coming through from all corners of the world: India, Iran, Greece, Italy, France, Germany and USA to name a few. Next up the committee – Paul Carey-Kent, Roy Exley, Edward Lucie-Smith, Werner Grub and me – will have to find time to look through each and every application. We will select ten finalists who will feature in the ‘Anthology’ show at the gallery in August and then award one winner a cash prize of £1,000.
And considering galleries do not look at unsolicited material from artists this is a great way for artists to be ensured that their work has been seen by a group of well established artworld professionals and from there relationships can be built. For all artists out there it is not too late to apply. If you are interested I recommend emailing anthology@charliesmithlondon.com for information.
Last month I brought up the subject of internships in response to Nick Clegg’s ill conceived ponderings. So it was a pleasant coincidence to receive this message from a previous volunteer for The Future Can Wait:
‘I just wanted to thank both you and Zavier for giving me the vital Opportunity I needed as it is through working with you both at TFCW that I have gone off to study History of Art and Museum Studies in Liverpool and have obtained an internship with one of Liverpool’s leading galleries who I believe is in contact with either u or Zavier (or both) as it was mentioned in my interview. If it hadn’t have been for the opportunity you both gave me I’d still be struggling to find anyone to take me on and spend time training me, the experience I was given has made it easier as I already know my way around an exhibition installation and I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty! Anyway I just wanted to check in and say thank you for everything and that I will continue to keep in touch if that’s ok and let you know how I am getting on. Thank you again x’.
That, I would say, is a good news story. Of course her success is due to her own efforts but it is a pleasure to hear what positive effect an internship or volunteer work can have.
Richard Long at Haunch of Vension
Must see exhibitions this month would be Francesca Lowe at Riflemaker; Tessa Farmer at Danielle Arnaud; Richard Long at Haunch of Venison; and Tracey Emin at the Hayward. And I’m really looking forward to the start of the art college final show season; England following up on their amazing victory against Sri Lanka; transfer gossip; FIFA and Blatter being brought down; the War on Terror in response to one great shot; finishing Orwell’s ‘Homage to Catalonia’ and starting Fowles’ ‘A Maggot’; and booking a holiday!
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One Comment
Zavier the tone and small insights into the process is great. Your right to mention the reality of the work that goes on behind the scenes. Tips on gallery approaches especially for artists who cant get round to private views in London and the larger cities would be great.
We should rejoice in having a great world beating cricket team its been a long time coming!!and tms
regards
Mark