Director: DHIKSHANA TURAKHIA PERING
I first met Dhikshana Turakhia Pering when she joined my team as Head of Engagement and Skills at Somerset House, London, in January 2020, just as a pandemic engulfed the world. We sadly only worked together for three months, but in that time we established a brilliant, supportive working relationship and I remain a fervent […]
Gallerist & Curator: LOUISE CHIGNAC
The artist Cecilia Sjoholm first introduced me to Louise Chignac, the Founder and Director of Canopy Collections. Louise and I share a passion for helping artists get their work into the world in new ways, and both started new online initiatives in 2020, in the heart of the pandemic. It’s been wonderful to see Canopy […]
Artist: EVE ACKROYD
I’m a big fan of Eve Ackroyd’s paintings that conjure the everyday magical and mysterious inner worlds of women. Her paintings are simultaneously witty and haunting; Ackroyd’s women appear dreamy, defiant, aloof, brooding and beguiling. Long and languid women meld their exaggerated limbs with the domestic contexts they appear in. They wait, patiently wondering in […]
Fundraising Manager: ALISHA KADRI
I was introduced to Alisha Kadri by Helen Wewiora, Director of Castlefield Gallery, Manchester, UK. Alisha and I are both Trustees of Castlefield Gallery and have spent hours hatching plans and developing ideas together, with the aim of supporting the gallery’s future growth. I love working with Alisha. She is a kind, funny, generous, bright, […]
Artist: LUKE JERRAM
I admired Luke Jerram’s spectacular public realm work way before ever meeting him. Indeed, he often jokes that Bloomberg Television described him as “probably the most famous artist you’ve never heard of”. Luke has an incredibly diverse, seemingly boundary free creative practice. I'm amazed by the range and scope of his ideas, the scale of ambition, […]
Senior Content Designer: ROSIE WANEK
I had the pleasure of working closely with Rosie Wanek at Somerset House, London. Rosie was Head of Exhibitions Management and together we worked on an ambitious programme, delivering large and mid-scale ticketed and free exhibitions, installations, and events, across the whole site. Rosie is blessed with being a curious, surprising, compassionate creative, able to […]
Head of Programme: ELINOR MORGAN
Elinor Morgan is lucky - her face perfectly reflects the kind of person she is; warm, generous, kind, considerate and thoughtful. She radiates positivity and optimism, and is a real pleasure to work with and fun to be with. She attracts good people, with a great ethos, that make great work. She is a champion […]
Creative Director: GAYLENE GOULD
Artist Zak Ové introduced me to Gaylene Gould in 2018, whilst we were working together on the exhibition Get Up Stand Up Now at Somerset House, London. Gaylene was Head of Cinemas and Events at BFI Southbank at the time, and we met to discuss joint programming a public event, showcasing key films by Zak’s […]
Gallerist Interview: PAUL HEDGE
Paul Hedge is the co-owner and founder of Hales gallery, located in London and New York. Over the last three decades he has skillfully ridden the relentless waves of change in the art world. As an evangelical arts enthusiast, he has an irresistible way of communicating the transformative power of art. He is deeply curious […]
Curator interview: MATTHIEU LELIÈVRE
I first met the dynamic art historian and curator Matthieu Lelièvre when we found ourselves stationed in neighbouring gallery booths at an art fair in Basel in 2009. I was representing Ceri Hand Gallery alongside my wonderful Gallery Manager Lucy Johnston. Matthieu was representing Hamish Morrison Galerie, alongside the lovely and charming Founding Director Hamish. […]
Producer Interview: ZERRITHA BROWN
I was introduced to the inspiring change-maker Zerritha Brown by Dhikshana Pering, Head of Engagement and Skills at Somerset House. I was immediately struck by Zerritha's creative vision, her genuine desire to create opportunities for others and to platform the contribution of creative pioneers. She has a passion and commitment to effecting long-lasting social change […]
Curator interview: KATHLEEN SORIANO
I first met the wonderful Curator and TV presenter Kathleen Soriano on a group excursion to China in 2007. The trip was an international exchange organised by the British Council for UK Curators and Directors to learn and develop new connections and potential partnerships. It was an extraordinary 10 days, spent with an amazing, inspiring […]
Curator interview: KIERA BLAKEY
I was a fan of Curator Kiera Blakey's work way before having had the pleasure of meeting her. If you've used public transport in London, you will probably have seen or experienced some of Kiera's work with artists, positioned in and around the London Underground stations. It takes an extraordinarily committed and tenacious Curator to […]
Curator and Collector interview: MARCELLE JOSEPH
I was first introduced to Curator and Collector Marcelle Joseph by artist Charlie Billingham, at a preview at the Tate in 2012. We both exhibited Charlie's work, and our interests and enthusiasms for artists and ideas continue to connect. I have enjoyed following Marcelle's curatorial and collecting initiatives and really appreciate her holistic support of […]
Gallerist Interview: NIRU RATNAM
I first met gallerist Niru Ratnam at Frieze art fair, around 2007 I think, when he was running his pioneering gallery STORE, in London. Niru and STORE represented artists I knew and liked, such as Ryan Gander and Bedwyr Williams. I have always found his honesty, sense of humour, willingness to take creative risks, try […]
Artist-Curator Interview: GAVIN WADE
I first met Gavin Wade in 2002, when I was working at Grizedale Arts and toured the artist-extravaganza Roadshow to Lickey Hills and the Ikon Gallery in Birmingham. I have been consistently bowled over by his ideas, commitment, entrepreneurialism, energy and determination ever since. He has devised and delivered some incredibly exciting and ambitious projects […]
Artist Interview: TROIKA
I was first introduced to super-group artist collective Troika around twelve or thirteen years ago, by Keri Elmsly (Senior Vice President, Immersive Development and Production, Madison Square Garden Company). I was excited to see their show Decode in 2009 at the V&A and have followed their work ever since, and most recently enjoyed seeing Borrowed […]
Interview: SARAH COOK
I first met curator, writer and academic Sarah Cook when I was Director of Exhibitions at FACT in Liverpool, in 2004. Sarah was, at that time, engaged in pioneering work, establishing CRUMB (Curatorial Resource for Upstart Media Bliss), with co-founder Beryl Graham in Newcastle and Gateshead. Together they hosted workshops and courses worldwide and CRUMB […]
Interview: HAROLD OFFEH
I first recall learning about Harold Offeh’s work when I worked at Grizedale Arts in 2003. I have enjoyed watching his playfully challenging practice unfold ever since. He is committed to tugging at the edges of things and drawing them and us in closer. He is a shapeshifter, a cuttlefish prepared to make a spectacle […]
Interview: DARRYL DE PREZ
I was first introduced to Darryl de Prez by the wonderful Curator and Collector Marcelle Joseph. We are Trustees of Matts Gallery, London and have been working together supporting Robin Klassnik, Tim Dixon, and the team on the strategy for the new Matts Gallery home, in Nine Elms, London. Darryl has had an amazing career […]
Interview: GILLIAN JACKSON
I met Gillian Jackson at Somerset House a few years ago, but knew of her work at Livity well in advance and have followed her career ever since. I was bowled over by her sunshine energy, enthusiasm, determination and truly impressed by the scale of ambition of her public projects, especially with young people. She […]
Interview: ANDY HOLDEN
I can’t actually recall the first time I met Andy Holden, because I feel like I’ve been in his orbit and a fan of his work for such a long time. I do recall a drunken male art collector declaring their love for Andy’s interdisciplinary genius in Rotterdam in 2011, after we attended a VIP […]
Interview: RICHARD PARRY
I have known Richard Parry and followed his career for over 15 years. We have connected in our different roles and organisations over this time due to a joint enthusiasm for a vast swathe of artists. We share a love of performance, the absurd and working with interdisciplinary artists who collaborate and continually push the […]
Interview: BETH BATE
I first knew of Beth Bate when she was Director of Great North Run Culture (2004-2015), running an annual series of contemporary arts projects, events and exhibitions, celebrating sport and art. Beth had a great reputation for commissioning and supporting brilliant artists, including Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard, featured in my first blog post. I […]
Interview: TABISH KHAN
I got to know art critic & editor Tabish Khan when I was working at Somerset House. I really appreciated his support, as he visited most of our exhibitions, and our conversations were warm and engaging. I am always impressed by his incredible commitment to seeing as many shows across London as possible. He has […]
Interview: LOU MENSAH
I have listened to Shade Podcast religiously since writer and photographer Lou Mensah launched it in the summer of 2019. I find Lou’s transparent, no nonsense attitude and genuine curiosity in learning and engaging with her guests refreshing. The range of pro-active, inspiring guests combined with a familial generosity, clarity of ambition and desire to […]
Interview: CHRISTIAN VIVEROS-FAUNÉ
I first met Christian Viveros-Fauné in 2004, when I was Director of Exhibitions at FACT in Liverpool and we were launching Bjørn Melhus’ first UK solo show. Christian represented Bjørn at the time through his gallery, Roebling Hall, (based in Brooklyn, New York). At dinner together, with Bjørn’s German Gallerist, Anita Beckers, I was struck […]
Interview: ALKISTIS TSAMPOURAKI
I first met Alkistis Tsampouraki in 2015, when we both worked at Simon Lee Gallery in London. We shared a passion for learning, of facing fears, of not taking ourselves too seriously and to having fun, whilst making weird(er) things happen in the world. Alkistis is kind, considerate, loyal, and often hilariously honest. She has […]
Interview: AARON CEZAR
I met Aaron Cezar in 2007 when we were both working at Metal with Jude Kelly. As well as being in awe of his incredible creative career as a dancer, I was blown away by his input, support, patience, and incredible ability to stay calm during what some people might call creative chaos. He is […]
Interview: CONNAL ORTON
I was introduced to Connal Orton around 2008/2009 by Mark Doyle, who was running the North West Collector Development scheme for Contemporary Art Society. Connal was very supportive of my gallery programme, attended shows, visited artists studios and bought work, including by Matthew Houlding (see below). Connal is an award-winning creative, most recently at the […]
Interview: GRANT FOSTER
I first encountered Grant Foster's work in 2008, in the John Moores 25 painting prize exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool. I was happily haunted by the gnarly, tragi-comic, skeletal, uniformed, character depicted in his painting Hero Worship (2007). I was especially delighted that Grant looked and sounded exactly like the artist that was […]
Interview: KRISTIN HJELLEGJERDE
My clearest memory of meeting Kristin Hjellegjerde was in Manchester Art Gallery in 2012 at the launch of the Manchester Contemporary Art Fair. I can recall thinking how friendly she was and how her eyes seemed to truly represent her, that they reflected both they way she saw the world and you, and what a […]
Interview: HELEN NISBET
I first met Helen Nisbet in 2014, when we both worked at Contemporary Art Society in London. I loved working with Helen and was struck by her knowledge, kindness, and her ability to put artists and clients at ease with her sincere interest, enthusiasm, quick wit, and generosity. Helen is committed to working collaboratively and […]
Interview: WILL JARVIS
Will Jarvis studied painting at Camberwell College, London, graduating in 2009. He teamed up with fellow art student Harry Beer to establish The Sunday Painter, initially launching as a project space in The Marlborough pub, London in 2008. In 2014 the gallery became commercial and Tom Cole joined as a Director. In 2017 The Sunday […]
Interview: FRANCESCA GAVIN
I have long admired Francesca Gavin and her socially and politically engaged, cross platform work in the arts, but I recently had the pleasure of working with her in my capacity as Director of Programmes at Somerset House. I commissioned her to develop a project she had realised in Paris and curate the brilliant exhibition […]
Interview: ELEANOR MORETON
I first met Eleanor Moreton in 2007, when she was Durham Cathedral Artist in Residence. I knew before we met that I loved and connected with her paintings, but during that first meeting I was also struck by her curiosity, playful sense of humour, delight in the absurd, and her unwavering commitment to challenging the […]
Interview: GAIKA
GAIKA is an artist, musician and writer based at Somerset House Studios. The first major work I encountered by him that lifted and moved me was SYSTEM, a pulsating, flickering, interactive shrine, a call and response and homage to the cultural impact of Notting Hill Carnival. I love the intensity of his live performances and […]
Interview: GEORGE VASEY
I first met George Vasey in 2013 at my gallery in London and subsequently enjoyed the text he published in a newspaper, as part of his MFA curating course at Goldsmiths. I have enjoyed following his career and programming ever since. I admire his gentle, inquisitive, interrogative, considerate and generous approach. I am also humbled […]
Interview: IAIN FORSYTH AND JANE POLLARD
I have known Iain and Jane and been a fan of their work for over 15 years. I am continually amazed by their endless curiosity, thirst for knowledge and ability to chart new waters. They have an incredible ability to see opportunities where others see obstacles. Whether it’s performance, curating, producing films for the cinema […]
Welcome
Welcome to my new blog, ELEVATION, which aims to share creative ideas, knowledge, skills, and insights from experienced arts insiders. I have been lucky to have worked with all kinds of creative people over 30 years. Discover more about my winding career path here. Working directly with artists has enriched my life, brought joy, laughter […]
