Ready to get messy in the artists’ studio? | Asisebenze Art Atelier

www.asisebenze.com

Navigating the art scene can often be confusing, particularly when it comes to distinguishing between an artist’s studio and an art gallery.

Think of an artist’s studio as the kitchen where a chef experiments with recipes, refines techniques, and perfects dishes away from the public eye. It’s a private, messy, and highly creative space where the magic happens—an essential part of the artistic process. Whether for painting, sculpture, dance, theatre, or music, the studio is where artists hone their craft, often far removed from external distractions.

In contrast, an art gallery is like a fine dining restaurant, where these meticulously crafted dishes are presented beautifully for patrons to enjoy and savor. Just as a restaurant’s primary purpose is to attract and delight diners, a gallery’s goal is to showcase the artist’s creations to the public, highlighting the beauty and creativity perfected in the secluded studio.

This analogy holds true across various artistic fields, making it easier to understand why an artist’s studio remains a private workspace while the gallery serves as the public-facing showcase.

We have embraced the idea of opening our 20+ artists’ studios at Asisebenze Art Atelier to the public because we recognise that this offers a unique peak into the creative process happening in our buidling. Apart from the annual Contra Fair Joburg that involves many other CBD-based art spaces, we also host our own open studio events to invite visitors into our space.

The question often arises: if these studios have dedicated areas they call galleries, why do they not call themselves galleries instead of studios?

To fully appreciate the complexities of these spaces, we must first differentiate between them.

Understanding artist studios
An art studio is quite literally where artists create their work before allowing the public to engage with the finished product.

This concept remains a constant even if we examine this analogy through other creative fields; whether for dance, theatre, or even music, the creative’s time in the studio is rarely ever witnessed by the public. The time spent in this particular space is often used to hone one’s craft and is predominantly used to work out the kinks in one’s practice.

The studio is a sanctuary for the artist, providing an environment conducive to experimentation and growth. It’s a place where inspiration can strike, and where the artist can freely explore ideas without the pressure of immediate public scrutiny. This privacy is crucial, as it allows for the development of unique styles and techniques that ultimately define the artist’s work.

The role of art galleries
This, of course, is vastly different from the purpose of an art gallery. If the identity of an artist studio is private and insular, allowing the artist to be as cut off from as much external distraction as possible, then the identity of a gallery would be its antithesis.

A gallery’s primary purpose is to draw in attention, attract the public by showcasing the creative magic which the artist has been painstakingly crafting and perfecting in their secluded studios.

In short, the gallery’s aim is to shine as bright a spotlight as possible on the creativity of the artist, which largely goes unseen by the public. In addition to cultivating attention and excitement around the artist and their creativity, the gallery, for a large part of history, has been the primary source of income for artists, allowing them to make a living and continue their artistic pursuits.

At Asisebenze we’ve catered for this experience with our public gallery on the first floor. That space has been given a new purpose and energy this year with our Deconstructed series of solo exhibitions by our artists. These month-long shows provide a number of opportunities for visitors to celebrate these artists’ creativity.

For example, we usually host an open gallery on the first Sunday of the month, followed by panel discussions and interactive Sip ‘n Paint art workshops. These events give art lovers unprecedented access to the artists, which is an opportunity to learn more from and about them.

Appreciating both spaces
We are fortunate at Asisebenze to be able to offer art lovers both these experiences. These glimpses into the artist’s work offer a raw, unfiltered view into the organised chaos that only an artist can make sense of.

These events provide a unique opportunity to see behind the curtain, to witness the journey from inspiration to final piece, and to gain insight into the creative process.

Much like stepping into the kitchen of a master chef, visiting an artist’s studio allows you to witness the raw creativity and meticulous effort that goes into each piece of art. You see the sketches, the trials, and the moments of inspiration that lead to the final masterpiece. It’s an experience that deepens your appreciation for the art and the artist behind it.

When you later visit a gallery, it’s more like dining in a fine restaurant, where the finished dishes are beautifully presented for you to savor. You can fully appreciate the artistry knowing the dedication and creativity that occurred behind the scenes.

So next time you visit Asisebenze, remember that you are not just seeing art; you are experiencing the full journey from the spark of an idea to the final presentation. Both the studio and the gallery play vital roles in this journey, each offering unique and invaluable perspectives on the vibrant world of art.

Explore the creative spaces of Asisebenze by visiting our open studio days and gallery exhibitions. Discover the artistic process up close and support the artists in their journey from inspiration to masterpiece. Stay updated on upcoming events by signing up for our newsletter.