My ART | Gallerists: Eloise Kitson and Christine Hedlund

Gallerists: Eloise Kitson and Christine Hedlund

Gallerists: Eloise Kitson and Christine Hedlund

Are you a gallerist or an art dealer?

Eloise:    Gallerist, although really it is just a case of semantics, as whatever your understanding of the two words and roles, both rely on artists and their mahi and the reality is that artists can only continue making if gallerists/art dealers are selling their work.

If you could own any work of art, what would it be?

Christine:    I admire the work of Chris Charteris, and in particular, his beautiful needle works from the exhibition Itutu Needlework. For me, they speak across the many traditions of making, practice and material, along with being stunning visual objects.

Identify a common misconception about collecting, and help us set the record straight?

E:    A common misconception about collecting is that you must be an expert before you start. Part of the journey of collecting is learning along the way. Get out there and visit galleries, look online, if you see artists or artworks you like, join the gallery’s mailing list and when possible go to exhibition openings. Openings are a great opportunity to meet artists, gallery owners and other collectors, and will extend your knowledge about art. The most important thing to remember is to trust your instinct and response to an artwork. You are the one who will live with it, so no matter what advice and knowledge you gain, you want to enjoy it visually and conceptually, those artworks are the ones that live with you for a lifetime.

What was the last work of art you bought?

C:    My most recent acquisition was a collaborative jewellery piece by Debbie Adamson and Craig McIntosh under their moniker A + M Workshop. The piece, a Compass Bangle, is made in oxidised sterling silver and basalt. The work describes points of the compass externally with basalt inserts and internally with cut outs. It presents a beautiful simplicity through an understanding of material and abundant skill.

Why collect?

E:    Collecting art at all levels enriches your life and surroundings. Finding and enjoying artworks that reflect/talk to your experience, surroundings, interests, or values helps make sense of the world around us. It is also valuable way to participate in the creative community.

What is art for?

E:    Art helps us make sense of ourselves and the world around us. It is a vital part of society and is evident in every part of life, everything single thing around us has had some form of artistic input in its evolution/development.

What are you reading/watching/listening to?

C:    I’m currently reading The Shape of Craft by Ezra Shales. It explores some key questions about craft: who makes it, what we mean when we think about a craft object and how that shapes our understanding of what craft is. The craft object can be one achieved through both collaborative or individual making.

 

Eloise and Christine are the directors of Masterworks Gallery, Auckland
July 2020
Photo: David Straight