CHANEL Connects: The Gallerists – Sadie Coles OBE and Angelina Volk

Season 5, Episode: "The Gallerists: Sadie Coles OBE and Angelina Volk"
Release Date: July 16, 2024
Host: Yana Peel, President of Arts, Culture & Heritage, CHANEL

Introduction

In the premiere episode of Season 5 of CHANEL Connects, titled "The Gallerists: Sadie Coles OBE and Angelina Volk," host Yana Peel delves into the dynamic world of contemporary art through the lens of two esteemed gallerists. Set against the evocative backdrop of La Pausa, Gabrielle Chanel’s meticulously designed Mediterranean villa on the French Riviera, the conversation explores the evolving landscape of art galleries, the significance of the Venice Biennale, and the intricate relationships between gallerists and artists.

Meet the Guests: Sadie Coles and Angelina Volk

Sadie Coles OBE is the driving force behind Sadie Coles HQ, a renowned gallery showcasing prominent artists such as Sarah Lucas, Matthew Barney, and Urs Fischer. Angelina Volk, co-founder of Emmeline in London’s Shoreditch, has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of art presentation since 2017. Emmeline represents artists like Nikita Gale, Carol Palchak, and Alvaro Barrington—who is also represented by Sadie Coles HQ, illustrating a unique camaraderie between the two galleries.

Defining Roles: Gallerist vs. Art Dealer

Penny Martin initiates the discussion by probing the distinct roles within the art world:

Penny Martin [02:19]:
"Gallery, Gallerist, dealer, curator. They seem interchangeable sometimes. What is the difference? And which one are you?"

Angelina Volk [02:28]:
"I would say gallerist for myself. I'm sure Sadie would say the same."

Sadie Coles [02:32]:
"I wouldn't actually. Would you not? My mother said that gallerist is not a proper word. So I think I would probably just say art dealer."

This exchange highlights the fluidity and overlapping responsibilities in their professions, with both terms—gallerist and art dealer—reflecting their multifaceted roles in promoting and managing contemporary art.

The Venice Biennale: A Pulse on the Art World

Sadie Coles provides an insightful analysis of the Venice Biennale's evolution:

Sadie Coles [02:48]:
"Biennials have had a changing role. The first one I came to was in 1993 and in that long, long period their function has changed, the size of them has changed, but they still remain large international events where you can take the pulse of what's happening. Sort of Zeitgeist Monitor, really, to a certain extent."

She emphasizes the Biennale as a "Zeitgeist Monitor," capturing the prevailing trends and shifts in the global art scene. Despite the rise of art fairs, the Biennale maintains its unique position through its expansive and diverse offerings, encompassing curated shows, national pavilions, and peripheral events across Venice's iconic locations.

Angelina Volk adds to this by reflecting on the Biennale's shift from a Western-centric focus:

Angelina Volk [04:03]:
"It definitely reinforced a kind of Western centric narrative, which was, I think, up until really 2015, was a very fixed narrative and one that has been opened up since."

This broadened narrative has allowed for greater diversity and inclusion, showcasing a wider array of voices and perspectives in contemporary art.

Current Year’s Biennale: Discoveries and Highlights

The conversation turns to the 60th edition of the Venice Biennale, where both gallerists share their experiences and standout moments.

Sadie Coles [05:03]:
"Each curator brings a very different perspective. And Adriana Pederosa has... very much about global south and about foreigners, and foreigners as defined as people who are not necessarily or haven't traditionally necessarily been at a central platform. So there was always going to be this sense of discovery."

Angelina Volk [05:40]:
"An expression of that work of Miguel Michael Rojas, who's a Colombian artist... these photographs taken throughout the 70s... blurry and delicate and tender and voyeuristic and kind of open up the politics of looking. But those were incredible. I love those."

These examples illustrate the Biennale’s role in highlighting underrepresented narratives and innovative artistic expressions, reinforcing its status as a pivotal event for contemporary art discourse.

Sadie Coles [06:12]:
"There was a fantastic, enormous Biro drawing by a woman, Madge Gill, from 1936, which was quite the surprise."

Such discoveries underscore the Biennale’s capacity to unearth hidden gems and historical artworks, bridging past and present artistic movements.

Navigating the Biennale: Strategies and Experiences

Penny Martin inquires about the gallerists' strategies for navigating the sprawling and complex ecosystem of the Venice Biennale.

Sadie Coles [06:59]:
"I find I do tick off all the big national pavilions, but it's very word of mouthy, especially now, it's got so enormous... I think the main thing is to keep your ears open."

Angelina Volk [07:28]:
"I usually have a strategy. I usually commit the first to the International Exhibition because that requires like a couple of days to sink in."

Their approaches blend structured planning with flexibility, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and receptive to new developments amidst the Biennale’s extensive offerings.

The Art of Escaping: Personal Rituals Amidst the Chaos

Balancing the intensity of the Biennale, both gallerists share their personal retreats:

Sadie Coles [07:53]:
"All of mine are food... I always have lunch at d' Evo on the first day... Go to Arturos... People watching is really fun here."

Angelina Volk [07:57]:
"Mine is Tremottini all the way... there's a great vintage fashion store called La Mario di Coco Vintage."

These moments of respite not only provide relaxation but also opportunities for informal networking and inspiration through the vibrant surroundings of Venice.

A Day in the Life: The Multifaceted Role of a Gallerist

Penny Martin seeks to unravel the daily dynamics of a gallerist’s life.

Sadie Coles [09:13]:
"There's a lot of problem solving, but there's enormous pleasure in all the conversations one is having all day... It's a pretty magical job... It's an exchange of ideas, really."

Angelina Volk [09:59]:
"Selling art is part of our job, and I think it is something really comprehensive that involves, of course, exhibition making... being deeply ingrained in the artistic process with your artist."

Their roles extend beyond sales to continuous engagement with artistic creation, exhibition planning, and fostering meaningful relationships with artists and collectors.

Curating Artistic Excellence: Beyond Transactions

The discussion shifts to the ethical and strategic considerations in representing artists:

Sadie Coles [10:24]:
"You have to make sure that it has a chance to be in museum collections and will be protected and all those things too."

Angelina Volk [10:40]:
"It's a cultural good... exhibition making... deeply ingrained in the artistic process."

Both emphasize the importance of prioritizing the artists' long-term legacy and the cultural significance of their works, rather than mere transactional gains.

Shared Representation: A Unique Collaboration

The conversation explores the rare scenario where both galleries represent the same artist:

Angelina Volk [11:36]:
"Alvaro Barrington has multiple galleries, even within the same city and many more galleries... treating the site specifically."

Sadie Coles [12:30]:
"Alvaro is very interested in the idea of community... very interested in challenging the conventions within the art world."

This shared representation underscores a collegial and supportive environment within the London art scene, where collaboration supersedes competition.

A Collegial London Art Scene: Collaboration Over Competition

Sadie Coles [14:15]:
"Galerries are reaching out to each other to share resources, share information."

Angelina Volk [14:25]:
"In London, it's very collegial and very collaborative... We all help each other, we all introduce clients to each other."

The gallerists highlight the supportive network among London’s galleries, fostering a culture of mutual assistance and collective growth rather than isolation.

The Role of Institutions in Art Collection

For those aspiring to start an art collection, Sadie advises engaging with institutions:

Sadie Coles [18:25]:
"Get involved with an institution... join a group of like-minded people who will also be learning or will pass on the knowledge."

This approach provides entry-level opportunities to connect with knowledgeable curators and build a foundational understanding of art collecting within a community framework.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Art

In concluding remarks, both gallerists share their optimism for the future:

Angelina Volk [19:54]:
"I'm excited about my generation of artists and curators who are just at the very beginning of a lifelong journey of engaging with the world through their work."

Sadie Coles [20:19]:
"It's the fluidity of things. Everything changes all the time... it's very important to stay open to change."

Their enthusiasm reflects a belief in the continual evolution and resilience of the art world, driven by innovative minds and adaptable perspectives.

Reflections on Past Biennales

Towards the end, the conversation nostalgically touches upon favorite past Venice Biennales:

Sadie Coles [22:03]:
"I would go back to the first one."

Angelina Volk [22:16]:
"I'm Ghana Hin."

Sadie Coles [22:58]:
"The 1974 Biennale dedicated to Chile... a very kind of fascinating addition."

These reflections highlight the historical significance and transformative moments within the Biennale, underscoring its enduring impact on the art world.

Conclusion

The episode encapsulates the essence of contemporary art's vibrant and ever-changing landscape through the experiences and insights of Sadie Coles OBE and Angelina Volk. Their passionate discussion underscores the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and a deep commitment to fostering artistic innovation. As Season 5 of CHANEL Connects unfolds, listeners are promised an enriching exploration of art, culture, and the creative minds that shape our world.

Notable Quotes:

• Sadie Coles [02:48]:
  "Sort of Zeitgeist Monitor, really, to a certain extent."

• Angelina Volk [04:05]:
  "The first Biennale I went to was in 2015, and that was Okwi en Bezzer, the late Nigerian curator."

• Sadie Coles [09:13]:
  "It's a pretty magical job... It's an exchange of ideas, really."

• Sadie Coles [19:54]:
  "It's the fluidity of things. Everything changes all the time."

For more insights and engaging conversations, follow CHANEL Connects and explore its rich archive of episodes featuring influential voices in arts and culture.