- Where is the Saatchi Gallery and who founded it?
The Saatchi gallery can be found in Sloane Square on King’s Road, Chelsea. The area it is situated is famously prosperous borough of London. The modern gallery was created in 2008 but the previous gallery at Boundary Road was founded in 1985 by Charles Saatchi and since then, every exhibition’s admission has been free. Charles Saatchi is a famous and legendary collector figurehead in the art world of the UK. His diverse taste and ability to fund art has brought a new concept to the term ‘contemporary’. Collecting work from all around the world and creating exhibitions, the gallery never fails to surprise its audience. Even better is the modern, exciting and fresh design that the gallery demonstrates in Chelsea.
- Why is the Saatchi Gallery original?
Rebecca
Wilson, Director of the Saatchi Gallery since 2006, speaks openly in many
interviews. She states that the gallery’s “main
concern is to make contemporary art more accessible to people”. Wilson also
stresses that Charles Saatchi wants “to
show artists early on in their careers” (especially those artists who have not exhibited before). From these
statements, we can gather that their approach is very different from other
galleries and institutions across the UK. Many galleries look for artists that
have already gained credibility through previous shows and exhibitions and already developed their reputation. This
new and fresh approach from the Saatchi gallery promotes young artists and gives
them their opportunity. This opportunity could be just for experience or as a way
of recognition. Wilson also argues that “we
are interested in very young artists and not interested in what other people
are thinking about artists before we make an acquisition”. She reveals that
Charles Saatchi himself spends a huge amount of his own time visiting students’ degree
shows. His genuine excitement and enthusiasm in collecting art is inspiring and
can motivate artists to carry on with their aspirations. Charles Saatchi (C.S)
also looks at work in different countries, works that have not had a chance to
be seen in the UK. His objective in the gallery is realistic and encourages the
future for contemporary art to be displayed.
Every
single piece of work displayed to us in the gallery is acquired by Charles
Saatchi. This gives an insight to C.S’s taste but with this fact the gallery
also projects a purity of form. He is sometimes told if there is something
worth buying but it is ultimately his decision what is bought. He sometimes
even goes as far as deciding what work goes into an exhibition and how it is
positioned. As visitors, we are looking at work that C.S admires and respects,
he also has confidence in this work. For this reason amongst many is why I
chose to explore and study this gallery in particular. Another reason is that
the gallery is not ashamed or scared to show ‘shocking’ or ‘obtrusive’ works of
art. It is true that shocking people is harder to do today than it was perhaps
during the times of Impressionism or surrealism etc. However, the Saatchi gallery
has been accounted for creating an alter perspective on contemporary art. Such
as Damien Hirts’s rotting cow’s head or the Chapman’s brothers’ children with
penis-noses. However, today young artists’ main objective is now to push those
boundaries further. Extreme pieces of art have been shown and now a return to
introspective work is occurring. There is perhaps once again a respect for work
of clarity and attention to realistic detail.
- The Gallery's target audience- everyone?
When
people visit this gallery in particular they are here to see something
abnormal, surreal and different but above all something arresting. I know that
when I visit the gallery I want to be surprised. I want to see how far artists
are willing to go to portray their emotions/thoughts etc. The gallery wants
people to engage with art so they have a reaction. It is true that they stage
works so that they are hard to ignore, they break the tradition of curating.
The gallery believes that once you have that reaction whilst looking at a piece
you will want to carry on looking at more art. C.S said that “The more you look at art, the more you like
art”. I understand this statement as once you have been pushed to see any
kind of art, you intrinsically start to relate to it, or, form an opinion. Once
this process has started you look at different works to try and understand. We
sometimes feel compelled to stand there and are determined to understand a
piece. However if all fails, I personally make my own reasoning of it.
As
previously mentioned, Charles Saatchi is an international collector. There have
been works from Iran, Iraq and Lebanon etc. displayed in exhibitions. These
works are completely different from works produced by young artists in the
West. Their subject matter and use of mediums can be completely original and understandably,
reflective of their society. I remember going to see the Empire strikes back: Indian Art Today exhibition in 2010 and being
intrigued by the difference. I was
certainly struck by the variety of bright and expressive colour they used.
However, above all, I was confused about the theme of many of the pieces; I
couldn’t honestly understand what they were depicting. It is true that many
artists, certainly from the Middle East are in fear of showing their work.
There is a huge risk form them of arrest as according to Rebecca Wilson, two
Iranian artists that have had their work showed at the Saatchi galley have been
exiled and are now living in Dubai. Although this is not a pro for the
gallery’s status, it still shows us that C.S is giving those with little
confidence in their work a chance to be recognised. This devotion to show
international contemporary art is another reason as to why I chose to research
the Saatchi gallery.
- Is Charles Saatchi an International collector?
As
previously mentioned, Charles Saatchi is an international collector. There have
been works from Iran, Iraq and Lebanon etc. displayed in exhibitions. These
works are completely different from works produced by young artists in the
West. Their subject matter and use of mediums can be completely original and understandably,
reflective of their society. I remember going to see the Empire strikes back: Indian Art Today exhibition in 2010 and being
intrigued by the difference. I was
certainly struck by the variety of bright and expressive colour they used.
However, above all, I was confused about the theme of many of the pieces; I
couldn’t honestly understand what they were depicting. It is true that many
artists, certainly from the Middle East are in fear of showing their work.
There is a huge risk form them of arrest as according to Rebecca Wilson, two
Iranian artists that have had their work showed at the Saatchi galley have been
exiled and are now living in Dubai. Although this is not a pro for the
gallery’s status, it still shows us that C.S is giving those with little
confidence in their work a chance to be recognised. This devotion to show
international contemporary art is another reason as to why I chose to research
the Saatchi gallery.
- The development of the gallery architecturally:
From
researching into this gallery I now understand the history of the building near
Sloane square, and what extensions they have added and why. The gallery before
it was converted was actually home to the Territorial Army but was being
re-designed by Cadogan Estates into an office building. The new extension had already been designed
in detail by Cadogan and there was no opportunity left for Allford Morris
(architect of the gallery) to bring any influence for the designs. The planning
permission had already been given to Cadogan after a long time negotiating with
the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. So, Allford Morris could not re
start that process easily. I found this interesting because I felt that the
gallery had been architecturally designed specifically to C.S‘s taste.
However, when designing the interior
of the gallery, all the walls were specifically requested to be painted white
with the bare minimal detail left on. Each space has tried to be identical to
the next so that there is nothing to deter the viewers from the art work. In
the existing building left to Allford Morris, four main galleries had been
created each on the three floors; these galleries form a series of
interconnecting spaces. This exploits the elegance of the larger rooms. David
Rosen and Allford Morris managed to create the building to consist fifteen
equally-proportioned exhibition spaces. These spaces were designed with the
mentality that they should all be the lightest, tallest and best proportioned
as any in London. On top of all this thought and work, the spaces are available
to be hired out. The uniqueness and symmetry of this gallery is so apparent to
a visitor that they may perhaps find themselves lost in series of white spaces.
- Is Charles' excitement for Collecting beneficial?
As well
as being an enthusiast in his collecting, C.S is also hugely generous. Just
recently in 2010, when he retires he intends to give the nation his art
gallery. This gift includes around £35 million worth of art work as well as
70,000 square-foot space in Chelsea. The building is rented from Cadogan
Estates; however, they themselves have stated before that they wish the
building to remain a gallery. However, to Saatchi’s surprise, the government
has not yet accepted the gift. Ms Cairns, who is a spokeswoman for the 4-year
old gallery, stated that C.S would receive no tax benefits from the gift. Nor
is it yet determined when he will retire. If the government do accept the gift,
the gallery would be re-named The Museum of Contemporary Art, London. Other
than his gallery, C.S has reached out beyond his gallery to help heighten the
public awareness of his artists. His collection is well known to international
art enthusiast and collectors. C.S has also made it easier for international
artists to submit their work online through his Website that he created. This
website shows off his collection but also allows young, inexperienced artists
to register and post their work and even sell it without having to pay a fee to
a gallery or dealer. This great and generous attribute has recruited around
140,000 artists to contribute. As well as this free posting, there is a social
network component, making it possible to get these artists to communicate. This
could help gain them experience comparatively and also recognition in different
countries.
There
are so many reasons as to why I chose to study and explore the Saatchi Gallery.
However, the main aspect that I really appreciate (and one that has definitely
been increased since researching the gallery more) is Charles Saatchi’s
attitude to young artists. Many institutions and museums across the UK shun out
young artists, claiming they do not have enough experience. However, Saatchi
exploits them through methods that would do nothing but encourage them. The
gallery is free admission and the websites are free to register. From
registering personally, I have been updated on new exhibitions and invited to
exclusive private views. As a student the gallery is an excellent resource of
learning about contemporary art. The books the sell in the book shop on the
ground floor of the gallery are discounted if you are a member (which is free to
become). The exhibitions shown in the gallery change three or four times a
year, so there is regularly something new. This also means that more and more
young artists have the chance of exhibiting their work which is something that
not many other galleries offer. My search has revealed to me the idea of
Saatchi giving his gallery to the government. This selfless act shows his
compassion and genuine love for collecting. C.S is always excited about what he
might find at these student graduate shows he goes to and this shows through
the work he collects and exhibits. I also think it’s important (in case this
gallery does change into the Museum of Contemporary Arts, London) to remember
what this gallery stands for. By researching it now, whilst it is still very
much alive, makes it easier for us to compare it with the future plans. I think
revealing its main attributes perhaps places pressure on the government’s
plans, as so not to disappoint.
- Why I chose to explore this Gallery in particular:
There
are so many reasons as to why I chose to study and explore the Saatchi Gallery.
However, the main aspect that I really appreciate (and one that has definitely
been increased since researching the gallery more) is Charles Saatchi’s
attitude to young artists. Many institutions and museums across the UK shun out
young artists, claiming they do not have enough experience. However, Saatchi
exploits them through methods that would do nothing but encourage them. The
gallery is free admission and the websites are free to register. From
registering personally, I have been updated on new exhibitions and invited to
exclusive private views. As a student the gallery is an excellent resource of
learning about contemporary art. The books the sell in the book shop on the
ground floor of the gallery are discounted if you are a member (which is free to
become). The exhibitions shown in the gallery change three or four times a
year, so there is regularly something new. This also means that more and more
young artists have the chance of exhibiting their work which is something that
not many other galleries offer. My search has revealed to me the idea of
Saatchi giving his gallery to the government. This selfless act shows his
compassion and genuine love for collecting. C.S is always excited about what he
might find at these student graduate shows he goes to and this shows through
the work he collects and exhibits. I also think it’s important (in case this
gallery does change into the Museum of Contemporary Arts, London) to remember
what this gallery stands for. By researching it now, whilst it is still very
much alive, makes it easier for us to compare it with the future plans. I think
revealing its main attributes perhaps places pressure on the government’s
plans, as so not to disappoint.
The gallery holds great significance
on its aims and aspirations. Saatchi is so in touch with the gallery and even
personally collects the work and sometimes places it in exhibitions. The
gallery has been a major influence on art in Britain since its opening in 1985.
The gallery has shocked its viewers to extremes of critical reviews, yet it
continues to be a springboard to launch careers. Its sole mission is to provide
a platform for unknown, young contemporary artists both home-grown and
international. Its interior design is cleverly designed to create equality in
distribution of space, each with white plain walls. Not my entire search
revealed positive compliments about the Saatchi gallery. There was a court case
held in place when they left County Hall in 2007 due to on-going difficulties
with Makoto Okamoto. However, the search explored much of the galleries history
and architectural expansion.