By In the blooming creative cosmos, art curators, hold a pivotal presence world over. With a hawk-like eye to spot new talent, an innate desire to foster emerging artists and nurture under-recognised creativity whilst celebrating the masters–the art curator is a much sought-after expert today. Even as they steadily transform artistic styles and shape art history little is written about their significant behind the scenes role. In this interview UAE-based independent art curator and founder of Art4you gallery Jesno Jackson shares some insights into the curatorial process
What is your approach towards selecting exhibition themes, artists and venues?
It often begins with being fascinated with an artists’ practice or a specific subject. I am interested in every artistic medium and I love to curate innovative concepts while supporting artists whose talent has not yet been recognized. It helps, that most of the artists I work with, are those I have known personally.
I think of ideas for exhibitions usually influenced by art and artists I have met, seen or learnt about. Then I work on selecting artworks that will be shown as part of the exhibition, research them, interview artists, write about the art in a catalogue, design the exhibition layout, send application grants and prepare press releases.
Combining work and passion, I also spend a portion of my time keeping myself informed by visiting museums and galleries, reading about art online or in publications. So, a curator in 2021 has to be multi-faceted – be able to find a location to showcase projects, travel and research, foresee upcoming talent to promote and act as a PR professional as well.
How did you decide to become a curator and launch Art4you?
I am an artist and an art educator. In 2016, I co-founded Art4you with my husband Rengi Cherian, inspired by my teaching career as an instructor to take the next leap while looking for a big life change.
My first full-blown curatorial opportunity was organising a contemporary art show for a local arts organisation. Since then, I have collaborated with some dynamic spaces in many galleries and hotels dedicated to giving emerging and mid-career artists a platform to exhibit their work. My long-standing love has been with vernacular/self-taught artists. At the same time, I have been dedicated to promoting emerging contemporary and under-represented artists.
Art4you gallery, today, is a multicultural art platform with a mission to connect artists, art activists and students together to create various community-based events and exhibitions. I can safely say the past few years have bestowed on me the insight to recognise the latent potential of untrained artists and separate the amateurs from the unrestrained talented creatives I meet.
How did you adapt to the pandemic restrictions and changes?
Keeping art alive in this time required a two-fold approach towards supporting and promoting access of art to all. We decided to bridge this gap by offering art exhibitions virtually. I felt it reminded all of us, yet again that art has the incredible power to unite and connect in the time of a crisis. We did 24 virtual 3D and online art exhibitions during the pandemic. These exhibitions were designed to give viewers access from one viewing room to the other in a new interactive experience.
How do you view the emerging contemporary art scene in the UAE?
In the past decade, the UAE has emerged, as a regional art centre with global reach becoming an important hub for the arts, attracting international collectors, curators, museum directors, scholars, journalists, critics and artists. The artists are key players in the development of a contemporary art scene as UAE offers a confluence of resources, vision and a young population. Perhaps, what’s most significant is that the past decade of growth has produced an informed, enthusiastic public ready to engage with society through contemporary art and culture.
Further, I want people to know that art is for everyone. My vision is to make original art accessible to all and to educate and develop a culture of buying art made by local artists.
Share with us your most significant exhibitions and experiences?
I tell a story with art made by other people. This, in itself, is a very creative process as powerful as making art; this enriches and inspires me and in the process leads to new discoveries, dialogues and interactions. The following exhibitions I curated have been noteworthy:
Power of the Line – eight artists exhibition at Studio Seven Art gallery, Dubai in November 2019.
Imaginarium- Over the Ocean, Above the Sea with Emirates WWF, at Studio Seven Art gallery, September 2018
7 CaliXpressions – 7 Artists, 7 Styles of Calligraphy Studio Seven July 2019
Solivagant – 6 Artist Exclusive Show at Sofitel, The Palm, Dubai November 2019
Many versions One vision, Tribal Folk and Traditional Art, online exhibition, September 2020