Other People’s Projects: Studio Voltaire, London

Simon Bedwell, Spartacus Chetwynd, Dawn Mellor and Maria Pask

Other People’s Projects is an occasional programming strand at White Columns, in which we offer our project space to idiosyncratic organizations, collectives, publishers, individuals, etc. to introduce their activities and/or enthusiasms to a wider audience. Studio Voltaire’s presentation marks the second stage of an ongoing collaboration between the two organizations following White Columns’ presentation of films by Jeff Funnell and John Will at Studio Voltaire last autumn.

Studio Voltaire will present the work of four artists that the organization has either had a close association with or is currently working with: Simon Bedwell, Spartacus Chetwynd, Dawn Mellor and Maria Pask. Although not a thematic exhibition as such, all the works in varying degrees refer to the performer, Michael Jackson. Functioning as a kind of prop, the somewhat random link attempts to bring together a diverse group of artists and introduce Studio Voltaire’s approach and programming to a wider audience.

About Studio Voltaire

Studio Voltaire is the first and only artist-led gallery and studio complex in South-West London. Established in 1994, The organization has developed a reputation for supporting artists at a pivotal stage in their careers through an ambitious public program of exhibitions, commissions, live events and offsite projects. We have most recently worked with Spartacus Chetwynd, Chris Evans, Thea Djordjadze, Liam Gillick, Dawn Mellor, Jimmy Robert, Allison Smith and Joanne Tatham & Tom O’Sullivan. Our forthcoming exhibition programme for 2008/9 includes solo commissions by Nairy Baghramian, Maria Pask, Donald Urquhart and Cathy Wilkes, as well as offsite projects at Transmission, Glasgow and ICA, London.

Studio Voltaire also runs an innovative and wide reaching education program producing artist-led projects and activities for individuals and communities within the local area. Forthcoming education projects include a long-term project with artist Barby Asante working with groups of older people and Avant-Gardening, a cross platform arts project designed to help younger people gain a better understanding of environmental and sustainability issues. Additionally, we provide a much-needed resource of affordable studios to over 50 London based artists.

About the artists

Simon Bedwell lives and works in London and exhibited at Studio Voltaire in 2004 as a part of the group exhibition TONIGHT curated by Paul O’Neill. Recent solo exhibitions include: The Furnishers, White Columns, New York (2007), The Researchers, Byam Shaw School of Art Gallery (2007) and Gents: A Melodrama with 2 Acts, Platform, London (2005). Bedwell was a founding member of the now defunct collective BANK, an important counterpoint to the yBa’s of the London art scene in the early 1990s.

Spartacus Chetwynd has a close relationship to Studio Voltaire. In addition to being a studio member, the organization commissioned The Walk to Dover, an offsite project in 2005 and also collaborates with the artist on Sparky Chatroom’s Film Club – an occasional informal screening program. Recent solo exhibitions include: Massimo De Carlo, Milan (2008), Le Consortium, Dijon (2008) and Migros Museum, Zurich (2007). Previous performances include: Six Actions for NYC, Creative Time, New York (2007); Money, Art Perform/ Art Basel Miami Beach (2006) and Delirious, Serpentine Gallery (2006).

Dawn Mellor lives and works in London. In 2007, Studio Voltaire organized Vile Affections, a touring exhibition by the artist. Recent solo exhibitions include Migros Museum, Zurich (2008), Spacex, Exeter (2008), TEAM Gallery, (2008, 2006 and 2003) and Victoria Miro (2001 and 1999). Mellor holds a studio at Studio Voltaire.

Maria Pask lives and works in Amsterdam. The artist participated in last years Skulptur Projekte in Muenster. Previous solo exhibitions and performances include Ellen de Bruijne Projects, Amsterdam (2006), Milton Keynes Gallery, Milton Keynes (2005) and BAK, basis voor actuele kunst, Utrecht (2004). Studio Voltaire is currently working with the artist towards a major commission for Fall 2008.