AucArt - Artist Interviews

Posted on by Alisha Sofia

In the Studio with Alisha Sofia

Alisha Sofia focuses on the female form as both creator and artifact of visual identity depicted throughout her practice. We met with Alisha to tell us more about growing up as a a first generation Russian Armenian and some unexpected sources of inspirations.

When did you first begin to see yourself as an artist?

When I had my first solo show last year.

Where are you from and what was your upbringing like? How has this impacted your work?

I’m a first generation Russian Armenian born in Los Angeles. I grew up with parents working in fields that were not creative at all. But having grandparents who were musically inclined, specifically my grandmother being a painter, it initiated my desire to continue drawing and painting.

Paint us a picture of your artistic journey. What inspired you to first pursue, and then continue to practice, artistic work? Was there a pivotal moment when you felt you were on the right track?

My inspiration to pursue art comes from anything I see or absorb around me. The pivotal moment I felt I was on the right track was when I saw the responses I received from folks. It helped me recognize that I’m able to communicate my ideas and thoughts through my work.

What’s the message of your work? How would you describe your aesthetic?

Coming from an Armenian and Russian background has been the inspiration for the majority of my paintings. I am always digging for more within the traditions, culture, folklore etc. In its entirety, my work covers topics of identity, consciousness within society, solitude and self discovery.

Are your works planned? What do you want people to take from your work when they view it?

Sometimes they are, sometimes they aren’t, it depends on the inspiration behind each piece. When creating the piece, I want the viewer to take away or learn something they never knew beforehand. I create these works for everyone, not just for myself.

An unexpected source of inspiration?

Food and nature are the two main inspirations for a lot of my paintings.

Who and what are your greatest influences?

Hagop Hagopian, Martiros Saryan, Minas Avetisyan, Niko Pirosmani, Renaissance and Medieval paintings, ancient Roman mosaics, Etruscan art, Greek and Byzantine funerary sculptures, Persian cosmography illustrations.

What are your ideal conditions or catalyst for creating a “good” piece of work?

Being in a peaceful environment, chaos does not inspire me.

What events in your life have mobilised change in your practise? How has your art evolved?

Not having my materials at my disposal has definitely changed my style of painting and what I paint. I remember a specific memory of not having brought my watercolors with me on a trip and discovering I can use the pigments I found on the beach to create a paste to paint with. I always make do with what I have around me. This evolved into the pigment paintings you see now in my recent works.

Tell us about the inspiration behind one of your works?

Reflection I & II were inspired by my personal (and I’m sure everyones) struggle with identity and commitment to self work. They are two paintings shown side by side as compliments of each other. It is a depiction of the everlasting odyssey and evolution of oneself. We are always discovering new traits that will continue to encompass who we are. There will always be introspection and contemplation of the self, but staying authentic keeps us resilient through it all.

Posted on by AucArt

5 Minutes with Lizzy Vartanian Collier

you cannot escape from destiny

5 Minutes with Lizzy Vartanian Collier

Nestled at the crossroads of East and West, Armenia is a small mountainous country, rich in culture, history, tradition and legend. Despite more Armenians living outside of their homeland than within its borders, the Armenian identity and connection to the land endures. For many Armenians, Armenia is a mythical, magical place, one that we experience through photographs, music, nursery rhymes and food.

This month, we sat down with guest curator, art writer and founder of Gallery Girl, Lizzy Vartanian Collier, who welcomes 6 Armenian artists to the AucArt roster.

Where are you from and where do you consider home?

I grew up on the fringes of South West London and I definitely consider London home, although my heart is always at rest in Lebanon and Armenia too, as my family is Lebanese-Armenian.

How has your upbringing (if at all) impacted your work?

My parents actually met at an art gallery, and my dad is a journalist. I grew up going to museums and galleries, while also spending many weekends and school holidays at newspaper offices, so it’s probably not such a surprise that I am an art writer. A lot of my work has focused on the Middle East and the Caucasus too, so I suppose having roots in Lebanon and Armenia has also influenced the projects that I have been involved with.

What inspired Gallery Girl?

I started Gallery Girl as a way to document the exhibitions I was seeing just before I embarked on my Art History degree in September 2011, little did I know that I would still be Gallery Girl a decade later!

What does art mean to you?

This is a really difficult question to answer, and I think it changes every day. But, to put it simply, art means being to express visually what words can’t.

What did you want to be when you were little?

When I was little I wanted to be a ballerina, a hairdresser and an astronaut all at once. I have been dancing since I was three, I have super long hair, and always have my head in the stars, so I think I am almost there!

Most inspiring exhibition you’ve visited?

I was first inspired to write about art after seeing Twombly and Poussin: The Arcadian Painters at the Dulwich Picture Gallery in 2011. Seeing such seemingly different artists exhibited together in such a historic space was truly overwhelming. Cy Twombly is one of my favourite artists, and I guess I have to thank the exhibition for almost a decade of Gallery Girl.

If you could spend the day in a painting which would it be?

I’m completely obsessed with Alymamah Rashed’s work at the moment. I’d love to spend some time within her world. Her paintings merge textual references with research into spiritual and emotional intelligence, producing gorgeous works on canvas.

Favourite art genre?

I wouldn’t say I have a favourite genre, but medium wise, it would be painting.

Which countries’ art scene should we be paying more attention to?

My mother is from Beirut, and I think we should really be paying more attention to the Lebanese art scene for many reasons. Firstly, because of the breadth of talent coming out of Beirut, from all generations, from young artists like Nadim Choufi, to established names like Ayman Baalbaki all the way to Mona Saudi. And secondly, I would ask that people pay more attention to the Lebanese art scene because it is under threat. Following the devastating explosion last year, coupled with the crippling effect of a political system and economy in decline, Lebanon’s local artists need our support more than ever.

Most inspiring person you’ve met?

There are so many people who inspire me within the art world, but I would really like to say Sueraya Shaheen. An artist, Sueraya is also Photo Editor of Tribe Magazine. It is Sueraya’s energy that I find most inspiring, she always lifts others up and really champions new voices and talents within the art world in a genuine way, which I think is so important.

Greatest goal you’ve accomplished?

I beat anorexia when I was 21 to get my degree and I think that’s pretty badass.

Best piece of advice you’ve been given?

This isn’t really career or necessarily art world related, but a long time ago my dad told me “don’t give your heart to people, make them earn it.” I think you can apply this to lots of situations in life. When I was just starting out I was probably a little bit too eager to try things out and I let people take advantage of me. Now I try to only work with people who treat me with respect, but I can admit that it’s not always so easy, especially in the art world.

Most exciting story you’ve covered?

This is a really hard question to answer, since I’ve covered so many interesting stories. But, given that I’ve just curated an Armenian sale, I would say this piece I wrote for The Art Gorgeous about women ruling the Armenian art scene. There are so many inspiring women working to promote art and culture in and with roots in Armenia, and it is so important for me to champion them.

What are you reading at the moment?

I’m about to take law school exams so unfortunately most of what I am reading is quite far removed from the art world at the moment! However, I did read A Gentleman In Moscow by Amor Towles at the beginning of lockdown which I couldn’t recommend more. It is about a man on house arrest at the Metropol Hotel in Moscow, which seemed quite fitting. It was also extra special because I have stayed in the same hotel many times.

Which art world trends are you following at the moment?

Just like everyone else, I am playing close attention to the ever-increasing digitisation of the art world, though I cannot honestly say that I am a fan.

What style of art do you like to be surrounded by?

I wouldn’t say there is one particular style I like any more than any other. As I change and grow as a person, so do my likes and dislikes in all aspects of my life, including art. I will say though, I do tend to be drawn to work that has an interesting story behind it, whether that be a cultural influence or a reference to history, myth or legend.

What are you enjoying about the art world currently?

To be honest I am struggling a little with the seemingly completely online nature of the art world at the moment, and I am enjoying the fact that London galleries will be able to open in a matter of days!

What advice might you give to someone looking to buy their first artwork?

Trust your gut.

To put it simply, art means being to express visually what words can’t.

Posted on by AucArt

Book Club April

april edition:

The AucArt Book Club

With Spring around the corner and the UK’s road map well underway, things are starting to look a little brighter. Visions of picnics in the sun aren’t looking so distant after all and perhaps reading outside might even be within reach?

With that in mind, Book Club has decided to do things a little different this month, with the AucArt team sharing their recommendations for April's installment. We hope this selection of light-hearted reads will inspire your next book of choice, encourage you to pick up where you left off with the novel sitting by your bedside, or even spark a chat with a friend over a coffee. Certainly, there has never been a better time to connect, communicate and have a good old barney about the joys of getting stuck into a book.

Natasha arselan

1. UNTAMED

by Glennon Doyle

Untamed is the third of Glennon Doyle’s memoirs and it does not disappoint. Sitting at the number 1 spot on The New York Times nonfiction best-seller list for seven weeks, this has become a cult favourite of many – notably including Adele, who aptly described it as making your “soul scream”. In the book Glennon talks about taking the steps to follow her inner voice and stop pleasing others. She investigates gender and society through experiences of her own and those of her family, sifting through all life lessons, from life changing decisions down to the everyday mundane. If you’re looking for something to stop you in your tracks and make you really think, this one’s for you.

2. the war of art

by Steven Pressfield

The War of Art was born out of Pressfield’s desire to help others succeed in the creative industry – whether it be embarking on a business venture or writing a novel. The succinctly engaging and practical guide, delivers a battle plan to inspire those who struggle to unlock their creative potential, investigating what keeps so many of us from doing what we long to do?

3. Out of This Century Confessions of an Art Addict:

The Autobiography of Peggy Guggenheim

by Peggy Guggenheim

Guggenheim, whose contribution to art is staggering, as a dealer and collector and a champion of artists, left behind an extraordinary legacy which saw her find, curate, popularize, dignify, define, and preserve the canon of modern art as we know it today. The fascinating autobiography of the mistress of modern art, captures an eccentric bohemian lifestyle travelling across Europe, weaving in and out of stormy relationships recounted in her somewhat amusingly laconic tone. Her formidable list of “friends”, acquaintances, husbands and lovers notoriously includes the likes of Samuel Beckett, James Joyce, Man Ray, Marcel Duchamp, Henry Moore, Salvador Dalí, Yves Tanguy, Jackson Pollock, John Cage, and Max Ernst (to mention just a few). A must-read for anyone looking to gain insight into the life of such a major patron of art and delve deeper into the juicy drama of this seminal period of art history.

Each of these offer something completely different, Untamed - Social construct, gender identity, Peggy's love and passion for art. When feeling poetic, I have a collection of poems by Christina Rosetti & Rudyard Kipling at hand."

NATASHA ARSELAN

Joanna Hirsch

4. The House of Gucci

by Sara Gay Forden

Sink your teeth into this fascinating tale of murder, madness and intrigue surrounding the infamous homicide of Maurizio Gucci. Forden’s story tackles the rise, fall and resurgence of the Gucci brand, with impeccably researched details on the fashion dynasty’s twists, turns and vendetta’s galore. This gripping tale of the Gucci fashion empire covers not only the sensational murder, but importantly the boardroom fiascos, power struggles and legal battles – a page turning account of high fashion meets high finance with a large serving of tragedy.

A read for anyone looking to take their mind off the everyday; I was truly engrossed. Plus may be a good read to look forward to with Lady Gaga and Adam Driver in the film.

JOANNA HIRSCH

MARCO GALVAN

5. The Master and Margarita

by Mikhail Bulgakov

One hot spring, the devil arrives in Moscow, accompanied by a retinue that includes a beautiful naked witch and an immense talking black cat with a fondness for chess and vodka. The visitors quickly wreak havoc in a city that refuses to believe in either God or Satan. But they also bring peace to two unhappy Muscovites: one is the Master, a writer pilloried for daring to write a novel about Christ and Pontius Pilate; the other one is Margarita, who loves the Master so deeply that she is literally willing to go to hell for him.

“It’s one of those books that requires an extra amount of effort to get into but once you do, you get obsessed with it. It blurs the lines between madness and sanity, and between sin and virtue. Though set in the 1930s Russia, the novel explores politics and philosophy that are still relevant today. It’s a reminder to us to confront our inner darkness and be brave enough to embrace it as part of our humanity. It redefines how we perceive evil vs. good in reference to what is dictated by a society where individuals always value hypocrisy over honesty.”

MARCO GALVAN

6. Ignorance

by Milan Kundera

This short novel is about an emigre, Irena who runs into her former lover (and fellow emigre, Josef) from Prague, on her return to Czech Republic, having spent much of her adult life in France. Kundera offers a crisp story embodying a modern vision of the Great Return: the literary trope of homecoming. This re-imagining of the Odyssean journey home, simultaneously questions if such a return is even possible in the modern world. He frames the novel like a case study on the behaviour and effects of memory: how it is altered by the passing of time, how it is irreparably lost and fragmented, how it determines our present lives as it is shared – or not shared – between two people. A book in which each one of us can find ourselves in different proportions, exploring the extensive impact of mismatched memories in the relationship between two people.

One is considered a classic, very intricate but entertaining; the other one (definitely not a masterpiece) is like one of those notes that you stick on the fridge, to remember the (sometimes very) different perspectives of a shared experience between two people.”

MARCO GALVAN

Kiltie De Cleyn

7. A Thousand Ships

by Natalie Haynes

What Natalie Haynes’ re-telling of the Trojan war does is truly epic; breathing life, empathy and passion into the silenced women of one of the most important foundational texts of the Western tradition, The Iliad. Ironically, for a war infamously indebted to a woman – Helen of Troy – the women in Homer’s poem appear mute, passive objects and prizes for the opposition. Haynes’ fiercely feminist re-vision of the war, hands over the story to the women who practise a heroism greater than that of any warrior.

I love how this text explores the struggles and the strengths of women, where war is traditionally seen as a man’s burden. Ancient texts usually teach us about the glory and conquests of men but Haynes instead focuses on the overlooked presence of women. A Thousand Ships explores not only the great suffering of women, but also the innate power wielded by mothers, sisters and wives; voices which are still frequently overlooked within many societies today."

KILTIE DE CLEYN

Sofia Topchishvili

8. Ways of Seeing

by John Berger

Ways of Seeing is recognised as one of the most influential books on art in any language. Berger cuts through the mystification of art and strips it back to basics, showing the reader how to meaningfully engage and evaluate art, aptly coining him a “liberator of images”.

John Berger The Ways of Seeing is THE book for everyone to read - I agree. In The Ways of Seeing - John Berger invites his readers to look into the common understanding of styles or themes such as "oil paintings" or " the nude - male gaze" and digs deeper, exploring the layers of meaning behind them. Criticising what seems obvious to us whilst we gaze at masterpieces that shape our modern day art perception

SOFIA TOPCHISHVILI

Pui Yee Wong

9. Before the Coffee Gets Cold

by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

If you have the opportunity to time travel to meet someone again, would you? Knowing your temporary visit to the past would not change anything in the present, would you still take the risk. All takes place in a seemingly quiet café in a small back alley in Tokyo. Kawaguchi asks us what our reason is for wishing to temporarily relive a past memory? And what do we expect from this experience?

Posted on by AucArt

5 Minutes with Franklin Ayzenberg

from heaven

5 Minutes with Franklin Ayzenberg

This month AucArt welcomes guest curator, designer and social activist Franklin Ayzenberg. Their show, FROM HEAVEN, welcomes 6 brand new artists to the AucArt roster who explore elements of fantasy through design, fashion and works on paper.

Where are you from originally? Has this had an impact on your work today?

I’m from Pasadena. I grew up about 5 minutes from the Gamble House — craftsman style architecture was a huge part of my childhood. Greene and Greene were the first designers I knew about so the Arts and Crafts movement has impacted my taste in a permanent way.

How did Playground Studio come about? (Can you tell us more about what it is)

Playground Studio is an archive of my design work. Right now I am focused on growing as a designer because I didn’t go to art school and only started designing furniture a year ago. I have a long way to go before I’d launch a website and start production. Everything I put up online is a 3D render, but I am actually working with a woodworker right now and should have my first collection of one of one pieces done by Summer 2021.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a drummer until I was in high school. When I was 16 I got really into music production and wanted to score movies and commercials. It actually wasn’t until my sophomore year of college that I became interested in fine art.

Favourite material to work with?

Resin.

Something you cannot live without?

My Apple Pencil.

Where is “home” for you?

New York

Describe your aesthetic in 3 words

Postmodern gothic minimalism!

Most unexpected source of inspiration?

Tik-tok

Highlight of your career so far?

I’m not sure I have a career yet — but being able to help Precious Okoyomon with their show for the Luma Tower in Arles, France was the best two weeks of my life.

Tell us about one of your most challenging pieces of work to complete?

I dug a 300 year old dead root out of the ground near Yosemite last summer and it took me 4 whole days to grind the bark off. I’m still not done with the piece. At the time I thought it would end up being a chair, but I’m honestly not sure what to do with it. I know it’ll come to me at some point though.

The most inspiring person you’ve ever met?

Bruno Hugounenq. Bruno is a furniture maker and sculptor who has lived in the south of France his whole life. He’s a true craftsman and I feel lucky to know him.

Best and worst piece of advice you’ve been given?

The best advice I ever got was to not be concerned with conventional methods of education. I’ve always resisted school. It just doesn’t work for me. I learn better as an apprentice or intern — and there’s no shame in that. The worst advice I ever got was that I should go to art school if I want to be an artist.

Tell us one thing few people know about you?

I named myself after Frank Ghery, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Aretha Franklin.

What are you reading at the moment?

I’m reading a book called Detransition Baby by Torrey Peters. She is my favorite writer. Her short story CisWorld changed my life.

Prized possession?

My Star of David necklace.

If you were to leave a mark on the world what would it be?

I just want to exist, and that alone feels like a mark to me. When I was growing up, I didn’t know trans people existed. If I can exist, and be trans, and have a few people know about those two things combined — that’s enough for me to feel like I did something that mattered.

Which artists are you drawn to at the moment?

I’m drawn to each artist I put in this show! Alison Veit is someone I really admire. I love how Alison created this sand/plaster material. Artists that double as material researchers are my favorite kind.

What kind of artwork do you like to surround yourself with/be in the company of?

Anything that feels childlike, with lots of color. I’m in between places right now but I usually have an Aya Takano print in my room, as well as an original color pencil drawing by Gitte Moller. My apartment is my playground. I have these 10 of these storage stools from a kindergarten website that are made to look like tree trunks. At my old place I had them stacked to look like a log was in my living room.

What advice would you give to someone purchasing their first artwork?

Don’t worry about who made it or what anyone else is going to think. If you love it, you need it.

What are you enjoying about the art world currently?

I think it’s great how many artists are sharing their process through social media outlets like Tik Tok. Material researchers, like myself, have been using Tik tok to do genuine research and it’s been a game changer.

I just want to exist, and that alone feels like a mark to me. When I was growing up, I didn’t know trans people existed. If I can exist, and be trans, and have a few people know about those two things combined — that’s enough for me to feel like I did something that mattered.

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5 Minutes with Bolanle Tajudeen

works of art inspired by love

5 Minutes with Bolanle Tajudeen

This month, we sat with curator and educator, Bolanle Tajudeen. Known for promoting artists from under-represented groups within the art world, Bolanle launched Black Blossoms in 2015, which seeks to highlight emerging Black Women and non-binary individuals within the art world.

What was your upbringing like and how has it affected your career?

I grew up in Ladbroke Grove. It is a very multicultural area surrounded by brutalist architecture and two thriving markets: the famous Portobello Road Market and Golborne Market. I lived with my mum on a council estate that the council knocked down a few years ago, but this is the first place I was submerged with art and design. My neighbours had different decor that incorporated their cultural heritage. My Morrocan neighbours had the most beautiful rugs and tapestry and my Caribbean neighbours had items in their homes that celebrated their home island. I guess the effect this has had on my career is that I appreciate art and style regardless of where it is.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A lawyer.

My childhood friend and I used to go through the NEXT catalogue and cut out pictures of all women wearing suits, who looked like they commanded power with just their attire, so I grew up wanting a corporate job. I did Law at A-Level and went to The University of Leeds and did one year of a Politics degree. I missed London so I came back and went to the University of the Arts London and got myself a degree in Public Relations.

What’s the inspiration behind Black Blossoms? Tell us a little more about it.

Although I was studying PR at university I was really inspired by the creative practices of peers on other courses. I loved seeing creative ideas come into fruition and going into my friends studios and exhibitions. However I found that there was a lack of spotlight on Black creatives in uni and the wider creative and art world. I wanted to create a space for Black women artists to discuss their work with each other whilst also showcasing the wider public their talents. You can read more here about how it started; The Black Blossoms That Were Never Forgotten.

the black blossoms statement

Black Women are speaking up.

Black Women are no longer invisible.

Black Women are not afraid to shine.

Black Women are unapologetically loving themselves.

Black Women are championing their sisters.

Black Women are tearing down the oppressive racist and patriarchal system which enforced upon them.

Who’s your role model?

My mum, she is an angel. She works as a nurse, and I have so much love and respect for people who care for the sick and vulnerable even when their lives are at risk. It is a different kind of humility.

Greatest source of inspiration?

Black people and their resilience.

I wanted to create a space for Black women artists to discuss their work with each other whilst also showcasing the wider public their talents.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Launching the Black Blossoms School of Art and Culture.

What draws you to an artist?

If they are making artwork that resonates with my visual style and politics.

What are three main things you look for in a piece of art?

Quality

Art statement

Technical skills

If there was one thing you could change about the art world for the better what would it be?

I recently read a brilliant critique of the artworld by Morgan Quantaince. In parts he sums my thoughts about the artworld and how we can all make better choices in how we partner with corporate and political institutions.

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Book Club February

february edition:

The AucArt Book Club

In a time when adventure is restricted to the virtual and our everyday routines are playing on repeat within the confines of four walls, the world as we know it is beginning to feel a little small. A great book, however, has the extraordinary ability to transport us to different realms far from our realities (and responsibilities) all from the comfort of our own homes. This month we’ve gathered 9 books, hand selected by our artists that might take you somewhere a little unexpected. Whether it's journeying through the inner psyche, mythical lands or pastoral scenes, we’ve gathered a little something for everyone.

1. The Prophet

by Kahlil Gibran

“My favourite book is by the poet Kahlil Gibran called “The Prophet”. It is an inspiring book that helped me get through many different stages of life, yet it’s so simply written. It always opens up a new perspective when I reflect on the allegorical messages in relation to my art.”

RICHARD YEUNG

Published in 1923, Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet is one of the most beloved and universal classics widely translated throughout the world. Consisting of a selection of spiritual and philosophical poetic essays, the collection ruminates on topics surrounding love, work, joy, sorrow, freedom, religion, good-evil, even eating and drinking. The Prophet’s 26 prose poems are voiced by a wise man called Al Mustapha. After 12 years in exile on a fictional island, he is about to set sail for his homeland. Before leaving the islanders ask him to expound his wisdom on the greatest questions in life.

Because the poems cover such a breadth of topics, the book is often read from, gifted and shared in important life moments, such as births, weddings and deaths. They’ve even been known to influence artists like The Beatles, and even political leaders like John F Kennedy and Indira Gandhi.

2. The Greatest: My Own Story

by Muhammad Ali

The Greatest: My Own Story is the 1975 autobiography of the world famous heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali. Collaborating with Richard Durham and edited by the Nobel Prize-winning novelist Toni Morrison, Ali’s story covers the battles he faced both in and out of the ring, detailing his experience growing up in Southern American, dogged by racial bigotry and discrimination. In his own words, the heavyweight champion discusses the physical and mental preparation for fights, the philosophy of winning and losing and allows the reader to follow his regime to becoming the champion. The fascinating memoir creates a striking portrait of the hero, straddling the personalities of a sports legend, anti-war advocate, goodwill ambassador, fighter and showman.

Selected by James Connelly

3. Mythos

by Stephen Fry

“I have recently been revisiting my mythology books and I would recommend Mythos by Stephen Fry, which I loved.”

EMI AVORA

Stephen Fry’s Mythos is a fantastically accessible retelling of the myths of Ancient Greece. The famous comedian, actor and writer injects life into these age old tales, some which may be familiar, whilst others will be first encounters. From Persephone and the pomegranate, to Prometheus and the fire, these trials and tribulations, schemes and affairs of the heart will fill your heart with pathos and humour. With classically inspired illustrations and wonderful storytelling, Mythos is sure to transport you somewhere far from home.

4. The Denial of death

by Ernest Becker

The Denial of Death marks the life’s work of Ernest Becker and awarded him the Pulitzer Prize in 1974. Synthesising the main currents of psychoanalytic thought, Becker’s stance offers up a more romantic alternative to the tragic Freudian theories that diagnose us with fraught incestuous relationships. Arguing that men and women are the only romantic animals in creation, he suggests that to be conscious, to strive, to love, to create and be aware of death is romantic and gives our life meaning. Refusing to acknowledge our own mortality, we create to become immortal – to produce something separate from ourselves is to be a part of something that will last forever. Becker’s impassioned ode to the “why” of human existence discusses and interrogates the nature of humanity and still resonates decades after it was published.

5. The Food Lab

by J. Kenji López-Alt

“I haven't given as much time as I'd like in recent months to reading beyond articles. I have, however, been cooking more so I'll recommend The Food Lab by J. Kenji López-Alt. I don't often follow recipes, but The Food Lab is more like a really interesting textbook on the science of cooking than just a collection of recipes.”

JOE KAMEEN

Unlock the secret to cooking your most beloved American dishes with The Food Lab. From the perfect medium rare steak, the gooiest and creamiest mac ‘n’ cheese, to a succulent Turkey, The Food Lab tells you how to make tasty meals with the best results. J. Kenji López delves into the secret relationships between heat, molecules and energy that create great food, offering up often simple but foolproof techniques that go against the grain. With hundreds of easy recipes, this one will get you through to Spring.

6. Funny Weather

by Olivia Laing

During an age plagued by Trump, Brexit and Covid19, each tragedy is surpassed by the next. In such unprecedented times it’s difficult to ground oneself and as we well know, crises breed anxiety. That’s where Olivia Laing’s Funny Weather comes in. Building a case for art as a means for repair, she argues that now more than ever we can look to culture to provide us with the resistance and restoration to take on this challenging age. Art, she explains, affects how we see the world, shedding light on the inequalities suffered and provides regenerative solutions for new modes of life.

Funny weather brings together Laing’s views on art and culture and the role they have to play in our emotional and political lives. Profiling Georgia O’Keeffe and Jean-Michel Basquiat, interviewing Hilary Mantel, and recording love letters to Bowie, the original text acknowledges the power of art. Engaging with themes of loneliness, alcohol, the body and digital, Laing celebrates art as a remedy to a fraught political climate.

Selected by Ben Siekierski

7. Glitch Feminism

by Legacy Russell

As time goes on, the real world and the digital world have become inextricably linked. Glitch Feminism explores the anonymity cyberspace provides, where we aren’t immediately compartmentalised by gender or sexuality. Instead we are able to slip into different guises or skins which allows us the freedom to explore our identities. This, Legacy Russel explains, is the “glitch”. A glitch is often described as a bug or a fault in the system, Russel argues in a new kind of cyberfeminism, that this liminal space is where we can find liberation. Embracing the glitch, we can break down prescribed, binary descriptions that define and reduce our unique identities. This provocative memoir celebrates these glitches as fertile ground for a revolution of thought.

Selected by Karen Navarro

8. Who will run the frog hospital?

by Lorrie Moore

“My favorite book is tough, but Who will run the frog hospital? By Lorrie Moore is up there for sure.”

KEEGAN GRANDBOIS

Who will run the frog hospital? is a brilliant, nostalgically poignant novel which harks back to a simpler time in a woman’s life which is bursting with the wildness of youth. Looking back, Berie and her best friend Sils spent their time messing around, drinking and smoking as fifteen year olds do. No matter how reckless they were, they always managed to escape without penalty. This disillusioned fairytale explores a time in which the future ceases to hold unlimited possibilities and life finally catches up with you.

9. Pilgrim at Tinker Creek

by Annie Dillard

Jackie Leishman’s pick this month is another Pulitzer Prize winner from 1975. In response to a near fatal attack of pneumonia, author Annie Dillard moved to Tinker Creek in 1971, a valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. What came out of four seasons in a house clutching the valley, was an exhilarating and invigorating meditation on nature and its seasons, investigating the entanglement of the human and natural whilst reflecting on much bigger questions in the process. Now more than ever, reconnecting with nature has become essential to getting us through these lockdown blues. Whilst the weather isn’t so inviting this winter, explore the valley with Dillard and let your natural curiosity roam free.

Posted on by AucArt

5 Minutes with GLOBART

women artists to watch

5 Minutes with GLOBART

This December, we sat with GLOBART co-founders Zeynep Utku and Deniz Caglar to talk about what they look for in a piece of art, advice for purchasing your first work, and their latest sale with AucArt, 'Women Artists to Watch'.

Describe GLOBART in one sentence.

GLOBART is a contemporary art advisory and philanthropy organization focused on corporate collections and public art.

What are you enjoying about the art world currently?

The art world has started to meaningfully capitalize on its newfound position to fund innovation and ensure sustainability. This is something we are very excited about. We are excited to have the opportunity to reflect on our own communities and start meaningful dialogues on what to preserve and what to innovate.

What’s your favourite city to visit for arts and culture?

London sets the pace for arts and culture, and it will always be our favorite.

If you had to be trapped in one period within art history when would it be?

Now.

What are you looking for in a piece of art at the moment?

Our look on a work is multiple. There is an emotional and philosophical charge, the relation to space, the subject, the light, the relation to the spectator, the technique, the message, the concept.

Working with, researching, talking about, displaying and sharing as widely as possible through different media while working collaboratively is the best part of our job.

What advice would you give to someone purchasing their first artwork?

Focus on what is happening right now, not what a Hockney print will be worth in 10 years. Live in the moment, and acquire works that inspire and move you. The better eye training you have, the better collection you’ll have.

Any exciting future projects in store?

Under GLOBART Art Philanthropy program, we support the production of young artists working in the field of public art with the budget we allocate each year.

Digitalisation of the art world is an ever demanding area where we are earning our expertise to deliver diverse, immersive and meaningful content across the field.

Our look on a work is multiple. There is an emotional and philosophical charge, the relation to space, the subject, the light, the relation to the spectator, the technique, the message, the concept.

Being childhood friends, they are both graduates of renowned Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design in London, with their honours degree in Culture, Art Criticism and Curation with specialization in Contemporary Art Market, followed by post-graduate in Art Business at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Prior to co-establishing GLOBART, they both worked for leading international art organizations; including The Saatchi Gallery, Christie’s New York, Minsheng Museum of Art in Shangai and Fondation Villa d’Atris.

Today with GLOBART, they are leading worldwide curatorial projects in the field of contemporary art and are contributing to a number of international publications including Financial Times Life & Arts, Harvard Business Review and Art Review.

Posted on by Sarah Edwards

In the Studio with Sarah Edwards

London-based photographer Sarah Edwards draws from nature, fashion and landscape in order to create her ephemeral works which take on a painterly quality. This month, we spoke with Sarah about growing up in the country, her techniques and found out more about latest work, “Sun Roof”.

Where are you from and what was your upbringing like? How has this impacted your work?

I was born in the countryside only an hour from London but it was proper countryside. It has given me a real appreciation of nature and the environment. My parents were very into country pursuits and wanted me to be knowledgeable about nature in all its aspects. My father was very interested in photography and I think that encouraged me and I borrowed his equipment.

Paint us a picture of your artistic journey. What inspired you to first pursue, and then continue to practice, artistic work? Was there a pivotal moment when you felt you were on the right track?

Whilst studying Fine Art Photography at Westminster London I received such a positive response to the work I produced and was encouraged to always look at working outside of ones comfort zone, both creatively and technically, and constantly push yourself. This enabled me to stop agonising over my technical ability and follow my idea of creating the images I wanted, in the best way I could. Exhibiting my work in group shows at that time helped me see that I had a clear identity and the reaction to what I produced was enormously encouraging.

What’s the message of your work? Are there themes/narratives/purpose? Where do they come from? How would you describe your aesthetic?

There are definite themes in my work, but I would say that the key factor in my work is light; how I experience it emotionally and the effect it has on my subject – it’s what inspires me. My message is that there is beauty in the everyday, but we do need to be looking closely, get up early to see mist in the landscape, look at plants after they die, photograph that dress under water!

Who/what are your greatest influences?

It’s a real mix – it can be a painted landscape image that makes me want to shoot a dress in a certain way or architectural images that give me ideas on how I will photograph a particular plant.

An unexpected source of inspiration?

Other photographers posting on Instagram!

Are your works planned? What do you want people to take from your work when they view it? Do you have the audience consciously in mind when you are creating?

Some work has to be planned – booking models and studios and working with others. I love also to be alone, quiet and working with nature – I actually talk to the plant and ask them to behave in a certain way!

I like the tension of putting a lot in place to create a planned image, but then I can also be inspired by something I’ve just found and set up, a still-life created in moments, building something very complex in a matter of minutes. I put a lot of emotion into a photograph so I feel that when I see the print I imagine the viewer is feeling that emotion – maybe not.

What events in your life have mobilised change in your practise/aesthetic? Do you see any parameters to your work?

Ive always struggled with allowing myself time to be creative but I know it’s important for ones wellbeing to acknowledge if you are filled with ideas and images. If that’s the case then you must go out and produce the work no matter what the reaction.

I experiment every time I take a photo – photography is experimental by nature – technically and visually. I have used techniques to produce a picture that is not in the books and sometimes works brilliantly and sometimes doesn’t.

What are your ideal conditions or catalyst for creating a “good” piece of work?

That’s really hard to answer because it could be so many things. I guess my work has an identity but then it covers a wide range of subjects, so it could be the light or a face or a dress or a plant. I can get totally inspired by a whole range of “subjects”.

Tell us about the inspiration behind one of your (consignment) works?

The piece “Sun Roof” was inspired by a long walk on Hampstead Heath in London. We got soaked on a long walk in the rain during the winter. Beautiful skeletal dark trees against dark grey clouds.

The following day I drove around, early evening, looking for huge trees in the neighbourhood. I poured water on the sun roof and lay out flat in my car and shot the tree moving wildly in the wind.

I can tell when I’ve captured the shot that I want.

Posted on by AucArt

Virtual Exhibitions

aucart selects:

Virtual Exhibitions

Though many museums and galleries around the world have temporarily closed their doors and the prospect of gallery hopping suddenly doesn’t sound so sanitary, fear not. If you are suffering from a restless mind, we’ve sourced a whole host of online gallery experiences for you to digitally stroll through and ease you out of your creative rut. From virtual tours, to cyber exhibitions, we’ve got you covered.

1. the national gallery

Artemisia

The much anticipated exhibition Artemisia was delayed by London’s first lockdown, and after receiving rave reviews in October, the National Gallery was forced again to close its doors. If you’ve missed it or live halfway round the world, don’t despair. For a small fee you can take a virtual tour of the blockbuster show, bursting with drama, sex, violence and revenge. The curator-led tour explores the life of the sought after painter, who defied the odds by achieving notoriety during a strictly masculine period in history. Though repudiated and ignored by the male canon for centuries, Artemisia Gentileschi has resurfaced as a feminist icon and representative of feminity in the Baroque and beyond. Walking through the spot-lit galleries, her story unfolds, including passionate love letters, details of her visit to the court of Charles I, and personal notes concerning the rivalry between herself and her father.

2. the museum of modern art

Surrealist Women

Moma’s Surrealist Women is currently showcasing the work of artists like Claude Cahun, Frida Kahlo, Dora Maar, Meret Oppenheim, and Remedios Varo. Surrealism is so often defined through male artists, like Salvador Dalí or René Magritte. Women on the other hand were celebrated by their male counterparts as muses, sources of inspiration and passive objects of beauty. Surrealist Women explores the crucial role women played during this period, as artists, makers, poets and playwrights who explored the unconscious mind and disbanded with the traditional constraints of feminine identity. The exhibition celebrates women through cross-media where you can watch videos like the live Q&A, read poems inspired by surrealist women, play an online game and much more.

3. tate britain

Lynette Yiadom-Boake: Stillness

Tate Britain is just days away from opening exhibition Lynette Yiadom-Boake, known for her portraits of fictitious subjects painted in muted colours. In most of her paintings the narrative isn’t entirely clear. They are formed out of a combination of found images, imagination and drawing which she works out in the paint as she goes along. Yiadom-Boakye’s work has contributed to the renaissance in painting the Black figure. Seeing Black figures idle, enjoying nature, animals and socialising without any political statement is both mesmerising and refreshing.

To celebrate the opening of the exhibition, Tate Britain are offering an immersive online performance which will take place on the 12th December. Whilst Yiadom-Boakye’s paintings often feature Black figures in moments of rest, this collaborative performance encourages online audiences to experience a shared space of healing in Tate Britain’s galleries which is inspired by her work and the end of a long year. Join textile and performance artist Enam Gbewonyo and sound artist and composer Liz Gre as they fuse sound and movement in an ode to Blackness and repose.

4. ing

Discerning Eye Exhibition

For the first time in its 30-year history, the Discerning Eye Exhibition is going online. 2020’s selection showcases more artworks than ever before, with 1,000 pieces by 600 UK artists. Every year 2 artists, 2 collectors and 2 critics curate their own mini exhibition. This year Dale Lewis, David Remfry RA, Beverley Knight, Mervyn Metcalf, Jo Baring and Tabish Khan are the notable art world personalities curating the show. The annual exhibition, usually held at Mall Galleries, is exhibiting artworks “domestic sized” and everything is for sale. Be a part of the glitzy London exhibition scene from the comfort of your own home.

5. somerset house

Leila Alaoui: Rite Of Passage

French-Moroccan photographer Leila Alaoui gained prominence for sensitively capturing portraits in communities ravaged by conflict. Tragically at the age of 33, Alaoui died on assignment in 2016 whilst working in Burkina Faso on a women’s rights campaign. Commemorating her life and work, Somerset house have curated Rite of Passage to showcase her talent, allowing her storytelling to live on. Ekow Eshun’s video provides a virtual tour and a poignant introduction to the artist and her work.

6. gagosian

Art Basel Miami Beach Online

In response to the Covid-19 Pandemic, Art Basel Miami Beach 2020 is going online. Gagosian is showcasing works by both modern and contemporary masters on 2 platforms – Gagosian online and OVR: Miami Beach. Until December 7th, 4 curated groups of artists are released and rotated every 48 hours. Currently five artworks are available in the first cycle, displaying various material experimentations that demonstrate the power of abstraction.

7. tate modern

Andy Warhol

In response to the popularity (and temporary closure) of the Andy Warhol exhibition at The Tate, a room-by-room guided tour has been posted mapping out the extraordinary life of the Pop artist. Alongside his iconic images of Campbell’s soup cans and Marilyn Monroe, the show includes 25 works from his Ladies and Gentlemen series consisting of portraits of black and Latinx drag queens and trans women, which are being shown for the first time in 30 years. The sale explores the key themes Warhol encountered throughout his life: his queer identity, immigrant background, religion and death.

8. van gogh museum

Discover the Life and Work of Vincent Van Gogh

Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum is offering you the chance to “Enjoy the Museum from Home” where you can explore the artworks in their collection, dive into one of many stories in the artists’ life or get creative all from the comfort of your comfort of your own couch.

9. the british museum

Online Collections

In response to the growing demand for digital content, The British museum has given its online gallery a radical makeover. The public can now delve through 4.5 million objects with cutting edge technology which allows viewers to zoom into artefacts in high-definition from all digital devices. The new launch has seen hundreds and thousands of new objects with new records of the most recent acquisitions from Damien Hirst to Dante Gabriel Rossetti.

10. victoria miro

Current Exhibitions

Victoria Miro has responded to our virtual gallery prayers by putting several exhibitions online. Through a range of photography, video and with Vortic installation views, you can explore exhibitions like Chantal Joffe’s Naked self-portraits, María Berrío’s Columban fishing villages’ response to tragedy, Flowered Songs and Broken Currents; and Grayson Perry’s reflections on the divisiveness of America in The MOST Specialest Relationship.

Posted on by Emi Avora

In the Studio with Emi Avora

Emi Avora is a London-trained and Singapore based artist. We sit down with Emi to talk about growing up in Corfu, her major influences and the inspiration behind one of her latest works.

When did you first begin to see yourself as an artist?

My father is a painter so in a way I grew up with that possibility. I loved art materials and spending time in my dad’s home studio. So the idea of being an artist grew from my relationship to my dad. I always thought I would be doing something creative but I seriously considered the idea of going to art school when I was a teenager.

Where are you from and what was your upbringing like? How has this impacted your work?

I am from Greece, was born in Athens and grew up on the island of Corfu. Although it didn’t always feel it at the time, growing up in Corfu was an idyllic upbringing in many ways, living up in a town that is a Unesco heritage site and surrounded by the sea, enjoying the Mediterranean climate. Elements from my upbringing definitely inform my work today – the memory of that strong Mediterranean light that brings a clarity and strength to colour as well as the place’s special history and the remains of its colonial past (Corfu was under Venetian rule, French rule as well as a British protectorate before it was reunited with Greece).

Paint us a picture of your artistic journey. Have you gone through the traditional route of art school and what was your experience?

I guess my artistic journey has been a combination of hard work and lucky moments. Coming from a small island, I was naive when I decided to pursue an artistic path to say the least. However that naivety instilled a childish, excitable love for art which has been and still is very important.

So as I mentioned I was lucky to grow up in an artistic household with my dad painting and having a studio at home. Although largely self taught, my dad still is one of my favourite painters. My first exposure to art was through my dad’s books and exhibitions. He is not always so keen on contemporary art but he is very open to find out about it. I would always follow him to see shows and he even took me to Kassel in Germany to see Documenta X when I was fourteen.

I was also lucky to have another very inspiring teacher while I was preparing my portfolio for art schools. He was fresh out of art school, he introduced me to a lot more contemporary trends of the time and I still remember and follow his advice when I am ‘stuck’.

Then I had another stroke of luck when I met an artist who was teaching in London at the time and suggested I apply to study at the Ruskin school in Oxford. I had not even heard of the Ruskin before.That led me to the Royal Academy schools and London where I continued studying and continued my practice.

It hasn’t always been easy trying to find an artistic voice in a new country and at times I questioned my choice of pursuing an artistic career. But time and time again the art itself draws me back in and I realise I would never be able to live a fulfilling life without it.

What’s the message of your work? How would you describe your aesthetic?

Rather than conveying a direct message about someone or something, I would say I see my paintings as portals to a space of dreaming for the viewer, where paradoxical things happen, where theres a sense of euphoria but also of anxiety at times, where cliches and surprises collide, where things are simultaneously disorienting and dazzling. I use my everyday observations, anxieties, humorous encounters to create a universe that invites the viewer to a visual journey into a fictional parallel world. The aesthetic in my work is usually quite maximalistic and quite complex, blending a variety of elements that come from my ancestry and my reality. I tend to exaggerate my motifs projecting my own visions onto what already exists.

At the same time my work enters a discussion with the formal elements of painting – colour combinations, paradoxes of space and perspective, as well as composition are primary preoccupations of mine.

Who/what are your greatest influences?

As I am very preoccupied with colour at the moment, I am looking at a lot of colourists; turn of the century as well as contemporary artists.

I have been looking at Cuno Amiet, Charles Burchfield and Florine Stettheimer a lot lately. I have also been studying Ancient Greek and Chinese pots for inspiration, but have also been following some great contemporary artists like Lisa Brice, Michael Berryhill, Chris Huen and many others. I tend to read or listen to a lot of fiction books that give me ideas for titles and new paintings. The influences shift as my interests shift so I always stay open to new stimuli.

An unexpected source of inspiration?

When I had my children I spent a lot of time chopping veg in order to purée them. It was a busy time and I hardly had time to sit down let alone make art. However one day the image of brightly orange chopped sweet potatoes gave me an idea for a pastel sketch and then for a painting. This led me to a series of works that then subsequently led me to my current practice.

Are your works planned? What do you want people to take from your work when they view it?

Some paintings start from images I have gathered or drawings I made and other paintings start with an idea. So there is a vague plan but it often changes in the process. I leave the plan purposefully open ended. In the larger paintings I very much like the viewer to become the protagonist of the scene I direct, so yes, I do think of the viewer, essentially the visual journey I offer him/her in the paintings. It is not exactly the same with the smaller works which have a more jewel like, sculptural character.

How has your art evolved? Do you experiment? Do you see any parameters to your work?

I think a change of environment has always promoted change in my practice that is also why artists enjoy going on residencies to see things with fresh eyes. For example my relocation to Asia has definitely changed my aesthetic. It was not an exactly intentional decision. My practice usually evolves organically I prefer not to force the changes but let them happen. I do always experiment and research. I don’t always use or show my experiments but sometimes they show me a way forward. Parameters are set for the work to be made but then later they tend to be broken and readjusted. The paradox of creating and adjusting your own rules only to then rebel against them always fascinated me.

What are your ideal conditions or catalyst for creating a “good” piece of work?

Art making has always been a companion in easier as well as harder circumstances. Yes I could really talk about a lovely studio with ample space and a lot of time in my hands but being pragmatic and especially after becoming a mother I realised I haven’t always got the luxury of ‘ideal’ conditions. Apart from having some space to work in, some materials and some time, there is no other ‘ideal’ condition I need in order to make work. There are always good days and bad days, good periods and bad periods but I would really struggle to make any work if I always waited for ‘ideal’ conditions.

Tell us about the inspiration behind one of your works?

I painted “All alone together” during the onset of the pandemic when we were anticipating the worse. I used some imagery from holiday snaps I had made in Thailand during the Christmas holiday just before when no one had suspected what the new year would bring. I wanted to create a scene that would have normally been busy and bustling but without the people as if they had to abandon it quite suddenly. It’s still seductive and inviting but also haunting at the same time. It talks about collective loneliness, the fact that we all experience a similar phenomenon but in our own lonely space.