Meet the Gallery: Benjamin Rhodes Art
We chat with Benjamin of Benjamin Rhodes Arts, who has worked in a series of gallery and dealing businesses including his name since 1982.
1. Where and how do you find new artists to exhibit and what do you look for when considering a new artist for your gallery?
My plan for Benjamin Rhodes Arts is to pursue collaborations involving certain artists with whom I have worked over the past decades, whose practice and commitment fill me with admiration so that I wish to share their output with clients, curators and the public. This already draws in artists who are new to me and will get to be included... I do not have a ‘tick-list’ to tell you what I look for, it’s a decision from the mind and heart.
2. What do you think makes the art scene in London unique?
I think I’d have to ask someone from the ‘outside’! Everywhere is unique.
3. Choose your 3 favourite artworks to date.
- Poussin ‘Dance to the Music of Time’ (Wallace Collection).
- Limbourg Brothers - Tres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry (Musee Conde).
- Something on the wall opposite my desk!
4. Can you tell us about your upcoming shows?
I'm very excited about a show with Richard Kenton Webb opening after Easter. Here are Richard's comments on the show:r:
“Benjamin Rhodes first walked into my life at an exhibition at The Royal Overseas League when I was in my second year MA at the Royal College of Art in 1985. I was extremely fortunate to have a London dealer and Benjamin is amongst the best. In 1995 we went our separate ways. But I missed him, mainly because he has an empathy and sensitivity for my work, and he articulates with natural intelligence. The fact that he shares my values and acts with integrity means a lot to me.
Benjamin came down to my studio in Plymouth to talk about the next show. It was as though we’d seen each other yesterday. Like me, he has lived and breathed art his entire life. We spent a lot of time looking at my recent work and sharing ideas. I’m constantly astounded by his knowledge of contemporary art, the art world and art history. We share a passion for the way art can bring deep joy into our lives.
Benjamin will be showing six recent paintings – two of these are triptychs, all made in my new studio in Plymouth. These will be shown alongside 10 drawings from the Manifesto of Painting series made on the Albers Residency last summer. The show will be accompanied by a small publication with a conversation between me and Dr Richard Davey and a preface by Fritz Horstman, Education Director at the Albers Foundation. This will help contextualize my recent Manifesto of Painting created in the woods at the Albers Foundation.
It feels so good to be showing with Benjamin again – a watershed moment. He is putting a lot on the line for his new stable of artists. It makes me feel both vulnerable and excited all at the same time.”
5. The art market is constantly changing, bringing both new opportunities and challenges to its key players. How do you, as a gallery, experience the current art market?
It's all exciting... Collectors and gallerists are extremely multifarious, so ‘the relationship’ is beyond definition!
