Suburbia Contemporary, renowned for its vibrant curation and dedication to pushing artistic boundaries, has carved a niche in the art world by fostering dialogue and inspiration across diverse cultures and perspectives. With a keen eye for emerging talents and a commitment to showcasing established names, Suburbia Contemporary continues to shape the contemporary art landscape, offering a space where creativity thrives and connections are forged.

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We spoke to Francesco Ozzola, who is Suburbia Contemporary’s Founder and Director, to explore its unique approach to art as they prepare for their upcoming showcase at the prestigious RMB Latitudes Art Fair here in South Africa.

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What inspired the creation of Suburbia Contemporary, and what sets it apart from other galleries in Spain?

[FRANCESCO]: Suburbia Contemporary was established with the goal of creating a vibrant, multidisciplinary forum that breaks down barriers and enables the art of today’s professional artists to be widely heard, all over the world. This purpose distinguishes us from others because we believe in the freedom to choose art that motivates and motivates our community of creatives via boundary-pushing ideas seen on a global level. Our collaborative initiatives span diverse cultures and perspectives, fostering dialogue and inspiration that resonates universally. We believe in the transformative power of art to unite and provoke, shaping a vibrant, interconnected creative landscape for the future.

Your gallery emphasizes innovation and pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms. How do you see this reflected in the works of the artists you exhibit?

[FRANCESCO]: At Suburbia Contemporary, the emphasis on innovation and pushing artistic boundaries is vividly reflected in the works of the artists that we present, who are now part of the South African art landscape. Our gallery actively seeks out artists who are at the forefront of artistic innovation in South Africa. These artists bring fresh perspectives and approaches to their craft, whether through exploring new mediums, addressing contemporary social issues, or reinterpreting traditional techniques in innovative ways.

On our website, you can discover the names of artists who have become integral parts of the South African diaspora. For example, in our booth at the ICTAF (Investec Cape Town Art Fair), we prominently featured the work of Amy Rusch, whose art has since been acquired by the Iziko Museum. This highlights our commitment to showcasing and supporting talented artists whose contributions are recognized and valued within the broader art community and cultural institutions. We take pride in promoting artists whose work resonates both locally and internationally, contributing to the rich tapestry of South African contemporary art.

Could you elaborate on your selection process for artists and artworks? How do you ensure a balance between established names and emerging talents?

[FRANCESCO]: Our selection process at Suburbia Contemporary Gallery is driven by a commitment to capturing the essence of our times while maintaining a balance between established and emerging artists. We prioritize diversity across age, gender, cultural roots, and artistic vision. We stay engaged in the art landscape, attending exhibitions and events to discover artists who resonate with our thematic interests. This thoughtful approach ensures that our exhibitions reflect the dynamism and diversity of contemporary art, fostering dialogue and innovation within the art community.

Suburbia Contemporary has exhibited artists from diverse cultural backgrounds. How do you believe this diversity contributes to the gallery’s mission and the art world as a whole?

[FRANCESCO]: At Suburbia Contemporary, we believe that exhibiting artists from diverse cultural backgrounds significantly enriches our gallery’s mission and the broader art world. Showcasing artists from varied backgrounds broadens perspectives, fosters cross-cultural dialogue, and offers a comprehensive view of global artistic practices. This diversity enhances creativity by bringing unique experiences, aesthetics, and techniques to the forefront, challenging conventional norms. Promoting diversity aligns with our commitment to inclusivity and equity, providing underrepresented artists with international visibility and recognition. Overall, embracing diversity strengthens our mission and contributes to a more vibrant, interconnected art world where diverse voices are celebrated and valued.

Suburbia Contemporary has had the privilege of participating in exhibitions in both South Africa and Spain, offering us valuable insights into the distinct art scenes of these countries.

[FRANCESCO]: In South Africa, we’ve observed an exciting and dynamic art scene characterized by vibrant creativity and innovation. There is a palpable energy and a sense of cultural evolution, with artists exploring diverse themes and pushing boundaries in various mediums. The art community in South Africa is actively engaged in addressing social, political, and historical issues, reflecting the country’s rich and complex heritage. The art scene here feels like a place where significant artistic processes and trends are unfolding, making it an exciting hub for contemporary art.

In contrast, the art scene in Spain also has its own unique characteristics and traditions. Spain has a rich artistic history, and this heritage is reflected in the contemporary art landscape. There’s a blend of traditional influences and contemporary interpretations. Spanish art often embodies a deep connection to cultural heritage and a strong sense of artistic identity.

Overall, what stands out about the South African art scene is its dynamic nature and the palpable sense of growth and transformation. It’s a space where new ideas are flourishing and artistic voices are being amplified. Both South Africa and Spain contribute distinct perspectives to the global art dialogue, each with its own cultural context and artistic vitality.

What motivated your decision to engage with South African art fairs such as Investec Cape Town Art Fair in comparison to art festivals like ARTNOU Festival d’Art Emergent de Barcelona i Hospitalet?

[FRANCESCO]: The decision to engage with South African art fairs such as the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, is motivated by our commitment to showcasing the work of the South African artists we represent in their country in one of the most important fairs of the continent. Participating in these events allows us to amplify the voices of these artists on an international platform and connect with a diverse audience. The Investec Cape Town Art Fair, this year with the program “Unbound City” program, provided us with a unique opportunity to bring art into the urban fabric of Cape Town. Our group show in BoKaap featuring artists (Alexandra Karakashian, Amy Rush, Ciara Dunsby, Jacob van Schalkwyk, Jake Aikman, Ed Young, Han Bing, Kim Karabo Makin, Kutlo Mabua, Shana-Lee Ziervogel, Yolena Doda, and Lucy Jane Turpin), demonstrating the success of this approach. We were also honoured to participate in the international exhibition part of RMB Latitudes, curated by Nina Carew, which further expanded our reach and visibility within the art community. We are looking forward to our participation at the FNB Art Joburg, where we anticipate sharing exciting news.

In Barcelona, as part of the Art Barcelona – Associació de Galeries, we contribute to the local art scene through events like ArtNou, dedicated to emerging artists, and the Barcelona Gallery Weekend, which celebrates art across the city. Our engagement in these events reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting emerging talent and fostering artistic dialogue. Recently, we also exhibited at Art Brussels, featuring the work of Ed Young, and we are thrilled to announce a new gallery space at Spinnerei Leipzig in Germany starting in September. Through our diverse engagements across South Africa and Europe, we strive to create meaningful connections between artists, institutions, and art enthusiasts while promoting the creativity and cultural exchange that defines contemporary art today.

Can you share any unique challenges or opportunities you’ve encountered while operating within the South African art space compared to the Spanish art scene?

[FRANCESCO]: Operating within the South African art space presents unique challenges and opportunities compared to the Spanish art scene. Challenges may include navigating socio-political dynamics and historical contexts, while opportunities lie in engaging with a dynamic and rapidly evolving artistic landscape that embraces diversity and innovation. In Spain, the focus may be on traditional influences and established artistic identities, offering a different context for artistic exploration and collaboration.

How do you believe your gallery’s involvement in South African exhibitions contributes to fostering cultural exchange and understanding between South Africa and Spain?

[FRANCESCO]: I believe that our gallery’s involvement in South African exhibitions contributes to breaking down barriers and promoting openness and understanding in society. Art has a remarkable ability to transcend cultural boundaries and connect people from diverse backgrounds. By showcasing a variety of artistic expressions and perspectives, we encourage curiosity, empathy, and appreciation for different ways of seeing the world. This exposure fosters a spirit of openness and acceptance, encouraging people to embrace diversity rather than fear it. Through cultural exchange and artistic dialogue, we aim to create a more inclusive and connected community where individuals can celebrate their differences and find common ground through the shared experience of art. Our efforts are not about specific countries but about fostering a broader mindset of acceptance, curiosity, and respect for all cultures and perspectives.

Looking ahead, what do you envision for the future of Suburbia Contemporary Gallery? How do you see the role of galleries evolving in the ever-changing landscape of contemporary art especially with technologies such as AI slowly taking centre stage in creating art?

[FRANCESCO]: Looking ahead, I envision a future for Suburbia Contemporary that continues to embrace artistic innovation while staying rooted in human connection and experiential engagement. We are committed to showcasing compelling artworks that provoke thought and emotion, offering visitors meaningful experiences in a physical gallery space. As the role of galleries evolves in the contemporary art landscape, we recognize the potential of technologies like AI as valuable tools rather than replacements for human creativity. AI can act as a co-pilot, assisting with administrative tasks and data management, but it cannot replace the intuition, emotion, and unique perspectives that artists bring to their work.

The pandemic highlighted the importance of physical presence and interpersonal connections. Despite the digital shift during lockdowns, people are craving real-world experiences and personal interactions. Our gallery aims to provide a space where art enthusiasts can engage directly with artworks, meet fellow enthusiasts, and immerse themselves in the richness of contemporary art.

In summary, Suburbia Contemporary will continue to evolve by embracing technology as a supportive tool while maintaining a strong focus on the authenticity and impact of artistic experiences. We believe in the enduring value of in-person engagement and look forward to fostering meaningful connections between artists, artworks, and audiences in the years to come.

We look forward to your presence at RMB LATITUDES ART FAIR this year. As Suburbia Contemporary prepares to participate in this art fair, can you share any insights into how the gallery plans to utilize the unique and diverse settings of the venue to showcase its artists and artworks?

[FRANCESCO]: We are excited to leverage the unique and diverse settings of the venue to showcase our artists and artworks.
Our approach involves careful curation that takes into account the specific environment and atmosphere of the art fair. We aim to create an engaging and immersive experience that captures the attention of visitors and highlights the distinctive qualities of each artwork.

Could you provide some details about the artists from Suburbia Contemporary who will be exhibiting at the RMB LATITUDES ART FAIR 2024? What unique perspectives or styles do they bring to the exhibition, and how do you envision their works complementing the overall atmosphere of the fair?

[FRANCESCO]: At the RMB Latitudes Art Fair 2024, Suburbia Contemporary will be showcasing the works of Ed Young, Jake Aikman, Amy Rusch, and Kim Karabo Makin in the main hall’s international exhibition. These artists bring unique perspectives and styles that touch on important social themes such as sustainability, women’s empowerment, and human relationships. Their artworks convey powerful messages infused with irony, inviting viewers to reflect on contemporary issues in a thought-provoking manner.

Together, the works of Ed Young, Jake Aikman, Amy Rusch, and Kim Karabo Makin will create a compelling and engaging exhibition at RMB Latitudes. Their diverse perspectives and thematic explorations will complement the overall atmosphere of the fair, sparking conversations and leaving a lasting impact on visitors. The artworks are poised to captivate and resonate with a wide audience, engaging them intellectually and emotionally.

What strategies or approaches will Suburbia Contemporary employ to ensure that its participation in RMB LATITUDES ART FAIR 2024 stands out and resonates with visitors amidst the diverse array of art hubs and pavilions?

[FRANCESCO]: Our primary focus at Suburbia Contemporary is on the art we present. Our approach for RMB Latitudes Art Fair 2024 is to prioritize a clean and neat display of artworks. We believe in the power of simplicity and clarity in showcasing our artists’ works. By presenting the art in a minimalist and streamlined manner, we allow the artworks to speak for themselves, ensuring that visitors can engage with them fully and appreciate their unique qualities. Our goal is to create a visually impactful and aesthetically pleasing exhibition that highlights the artistic merit and conceptual depth of each artwork.

What steps can African artists take to connect with galleries like Suburbia Contemporary and other international galleries to explore opportunities for collaboration and exhibition?

[FRANCESCO]: South African artists already benefit from a vibrant local art scene with numerous fairs and venues. To enhance visibility internationally, I recommend that artists join non-profit art spaces and actively engage with curators. By participating in these spaces, artists can establish connections within the art community and gain exposure to opportunities beyond their local scene. Additionally, they should research and target galleries that align with their style, participate in art fairs, maintain a strong online presence, and seek representation. These strategic steps can facilitate collaboration and exhibition opportunities with galleries like Suburbia Contemporary and others on a global scale.

In your experience, what qualities or aspects do galleries like Suburbia Contemporary look for when considering African artists for international exhibitions, and how can artists tailor their portfolios or approaches to align with these criteria?

[FRANCESCO]: Galleries like Suburbia Contemporary seek African artists whose work explores deep themes and ideas, offering nuanced perspectives that go beyond surface-level aesthetics. They value artists who engage with current global issues and artistic trends, demonstrating cultural relevance and awareness.

To everyone that will be attending RMB LATITUDES ART FAIR 2024, where can they find Suburbia Contemporary?

[FRANCESCO]: You can find us at the International Galleries Venue at the Latitudes Centre for the Arts.

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Featured Image(s) Source: Supplied