May - Aug 07 - Novellus Castellum @ Apex Arts, NYC
Novellus Castellum
Works by Helen Smith and William Struthers
Apexart, Curatorial Biennial: New York, USA
July 7th August 11th 2007
Apexart’s focus is on ideas, and our programs and printed materials are intended to encourage thought and commentary and to stimulate public dialogue about contemporary art, enriching the cultural landscape of New York City, USA.
Exsertus Exhibition Space
Space. We all need this in our lives. But rarely do we have enough of it, or the spaces we inhabit or work in are dissatisfying and unrewarding. The great thing about spaces, is that when we get them, we can fill them with things. If we inhabit a space we can fill it with our stuff. We can dream about what can go inside. What colour to paint the walls and what to do in it.
Another form of space is time. When we have time it also gives us space in our minds to make decisions, plan things, fantasize and visualise about our future. Space and time are vital for artists. Whenever we are offered space and time as an artists we are free to create things and fall in love again with what it is to be an artist. However, artists like people, in general, have little time and space and because of this deficit, their love affair with art is often short lived or fraught with dissatisfaction.
Recognition. We all need recognition to function. To know who we are. This is also a huge factor regarding ones position as an artist. We need to show our work, have people write about our work and have the opportunity for our work to function in the world outside and be valued for what it is. Artists need public recognition so they can feel appreciated and understand their critical position in the world.
So what was Exsertus. Exsertus was a project space curated by Novellus Castellum, which offered selected artists: Space, Time and Recognition. The use of a large 10 meter squared project space. One month to make work in and an exhibition event at the end of these mini residencies. Exsertus worked in a similar way to Matt's gallery in London. First and foremost, it was an exhibition space, but it also functioned as an artist's studio because the work was shown where it is made. Exsertus was a unique gallery space in the North East of England, which set up parameters for the creation of new experimental work and the possibilities of site specific installation.
The Exsertus project aspired to add significant and important focus to selected artist's practices and was a dedicated platform for artists to discuss work in progress and allowing them valuable time for decisive incentive self-reflection, where they could try out new ideas and extend the boundaries of their art practice.
James Johnson-Perkins
The Exsertus residency/gallery space was based in a huge disused studio in an old factory building called Harkers in Byker, Newcastle Upon Tyne. It was generously lent to Novellus Castellum by Waygood Gallery and Studios.
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