ART, WHATEVER IT TAKES

Since the early pandemic in 2020, Rome Art Program has conducted a series of interviews, “Art, Whatever It Takes.”
Artists, Art Critics, and Art Historians living in Italy, the U.S., and U.K., share their insights during these powerful times.

Interview with Cathy Ward

Cathy Ward was born in Kent and lives in London UK. She has participated in numerous national and international shows and art-events. Currently showing in ‘Art Brut then and now – The Meeting Place of Unveiled Worlds’ (2025) Shibuya Koen-dori Gallery Tokyo. Cathy has had a long history associated with Director and curator, Roger K Burton, founder of the Horse Hospital, London, with various solo exhibitions, as ‘Sub Rosa’(2018),  ‘Transromantik’ (2000),  A monograph ‘Liberty Realm was published by Strange Attractor Press (2000), and is a contributor to ‘Spirit Worlds’ Library of Esoterica (Taschen 2025).  

RomeArtProgram: What is your definition of “art” today?

Cathy Ward: The release of Hilma af Klint's lifetime of work embodies what I’d hoped art could achieve in terms of re-evaluating art history. Esoteric, spiritual and visionary art had predominantly been created by women. These artists are finally being recognised as exceptionally important in the 21st century. This is heartening and inspires hope that more unknown historic works will be revealed. Today, art is rediscovering work that has lain dormant, waiting for spring.

RAP: Art is dynamic and regenerates itself... How does it change and how has it changed us?

Cathy: It's our perception that changes. The art is there, somewhere... it just needs to be rediscovered and appreciated again.

RAP: What role does art play today?

Cathy: The visual voices of the unseen are now visible. Graffiti, tagging and political fly-posting, in particular, have opened our eyes to people and events that, mere decades ago would not have had a voice. Technology has democratised the creation and sharing of visuals.

RAP: What would you recommend to an ‘emerging artist’ today?

Cathy: Your journey ahead may be deceptively long. The end destination may not be what, or where, you were expecting to arrive at, but but if it's your calling, you have to embrace an unpredictable life full of change. This can be a rollercoaster of opportunities, or one of isolating hardships, or often a combination of the two.

RAP: How have new technologies & media culture changed art today?.. made it better or worse? ...challenges?

Cathy: Instagram has created a 'democratic access platform' for artists who are struggling to be seen. This has benefited counterculture and underground venues, as well as performance and fringe artists; the list goes on... It has empowered artists to independently explore the vast online community, finding and connecting with like-minded thinkers.

RAP: Understanding, interpreting, and then possibly judging a work of art; which is the right way to approach a work of art?

Cathy: From heart to head, from irrational to rational... its a weighing process, propelled by instinct.

RAP: What is the real role of academies and art schools today? What can artists learn from them today?

Cathy: You have to be adaptable, often frugal with yourself, to maintain the costs of working.

RAP: How do art galleries and museums position themselves today, and, in your opinion, how should they?

Cathy: As many museums are government-supported they become concerned to maintain visitors numbers through the door in order to receive this vital funding. The choice of whom they exhibit plays a role in securing this funding, which is a priority for their survival. While this benefits many lesser-known artists, galleries and museums, also need to exhibit work that appeals to seasoned art enthusiasts people who attend art exhibitions, and want to see new exhibitions featuring new artists, as well as work that may question society and perhaps verge on controversy.

RAP: ...will art save us?

Cathy: It could. In the current situation it's the destroyers, not the creators, who are shaping our world order. We need creative ideas and the regeneration of all endangered life, be it on land and in the sea. If we could switch this creative energy and change our perception of what art could be, maybe art will save us...

@wardsisterward