We recently caught up with Mai Saporsantos and Arvin Flores of Artery Art Space to do a little catching up about craft, origin stories, and their new series of intermedia workshops, Sudden Exposure.
Bringing a breath of fresh air to artists and art enthusiasts all over Manila, Artery’s aesthetic is fun, craft-centered, and ever-evolving. Read our short but sweet conversation with them below, and find out more about the story behind this beautiful gallery that you definitely have to check out.
MoarBooks (M): For those who are new to ARTERY, give us a little background info. How did it start? How did you guys decide to collaborate on putting together an art space?
Arvin & Mai (A&M): When we got the place, which was a former apartment complex, we realized that there were a lot of quirky and funky spots to play around with about programming.
So the space wasn’t just a typical white cube like most galleries. With that, we thought we could have an exhibition space and a snack bar and a shop and an artist residency and studio space. These areas then would encourage interaction and collaboration which contemporary art touts to be relational and sociable.
Photo c/o Artery
M: That’s really interesting. You guys literally use the shape of the space to be able to maximize it fully; kind of like an art playground. We were a part of your Pop+art series a few months ago, and we enjoyed it thoroughly. How do you guys come up with your themes and series for the space?
A&M: We have this inside joke that we toss around saying “let’s not think, let’s panic!” whenever we try to come up with something, haha. If we step aside the self-deprecating humor for a moment, the creative (thinking) process is just that: you really don’t know where it will truly begin. It would be truly funny if there was a light bulb lighting up whenever we do try these forced enlightenment sessions. So to downplay the pressure, we work with the collaboration of other creatives. The inspiration then comes from them, looking at what they do, what they say when somebody listens, what they wish they could do, and of how we can articulate the issues. We then come to terms, crossing our fingers so that we could come up with something so that we don’t panic in the end.
Photo c/o Artery
M: Haha, that’s really funny. It’s like panicking to bypass actually panicking. Wait, so this month, you’re holding a series of events called Sudden Exposure. Tell us a little about that. What was the driving force behind it? Also, why the interest in intermedia?
M&A: With so many talented artists around having so many good shows in addition to the many artfairs, auctions, and biennials here and there plus all the attention given to Philippine contemporary art by foreign enthusiasts, we wanted to know where this desire about making art comes from, how does one become an artist, what skills and tools to develop, where does this community of creatives come from? So we began asking ourselves about art education: how does one make art and how can you teach it? We also knew that we didn’t want to compete with the academy, rather, we wanted to supplement it, as in presenting additional continuing education. Since we’re not an institution we wanted to work outside the box, so to speak. Working in the format of workshops then are the best means of democratic participation, finding out what art means for everyone. Offering classes where the things you learn about can be applied in so many different ways, combined with other tools, in addition to developing specialized knowledge, is what we believe to be art’s function today, in the production and use of creative thinking in everyday life.
M: How did you guys decide on the lineup? Why Sudden Exposure?
M&A: We go by the thinking that ready or not you can make art, that creativity abounds, so all you really need is that slight nudge of encouragement, like being in a supportive setting with peers, and before you know it your hidden talent is suddenly exposed. There is a certain vulnerability in making art, because you are expressing what you think and feel with others, and so you veer away from dismissive or authoritative voices, so you can just make art. Even with the artists who are taking the lead instructing the classes, we asked those who are dynamic with their approach in their respective practices, those who are practicing in their field, and are willing to share their knowledge and experience.
M: As creatives, what activities do you guys find inspiring? What would you guys consider a good Artery class/workshop?
M&A: Conversing with like minded people, friends that is, are usually very rewarding and inspiring.
A class built upon collaboration, that flows like conversation, covering everything and nothing yet filled with passion is what we would seek in a class that aims for criticality and creativity. Hence, any subject or theme or medium can be broken down and mixed altogether to build something new.
Window treatment @ Artery Art Space
M: What can we look forward to from you guys in the coming months?
M&A: In addition to our exhibition programs, we are excited about the second Artery Mentorship Program coming up soon. The first one was last year where we selected four recent art graduates to undergo an MFA type of program here at Artery where various artists and art professionals conducted studio visits, crits, fieldwork, and at the end of the program an exhibition was produced. The program is free but highly selective and competitive. This time around we wanted the program to be short and intensive, with a medium specific focus, but it will still be as critical as before. So we’re hoping for everyone’s support in presenting and producing art that is challenging and stimulating for all, as a definitive marker of contemporary art being made in Manila.
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