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 Charlie Minter
Charlie Minter graduated from university with a degree in Theology. An internship at Sotheby’s London led to him becoming a specialist in Modern British and Irish Art, where he worked for 15 years. Earlier this year Charlie left the auction world for the gallery world, joining Messums Org, a dynamic gallery based in London and Wiltshire, in a stunning 13th century tithe barn that houses contemporary painting, sculpture and ceramics.
RomeArtProgram: What is your definition of “art” today?
Charlie Minter: A creative and physical response to the world. That of course can take many forms, guises and layers.
RAP: Art is dynamic and regenerates itself… how does it change, and how did it change us?
Charlie: In our current digital age, it’s perhaps re-generating and innovating more than it ever has done. Yet despite that, or because of, paint seems to be having a resurgence. There are constants too – the desire to reflect the world in which live at a given moment. At its most powerful, it betters the human condition.
RAP: What role does Art play today?
Charlie: The role it always has done – the innate desire to create. We all have it, but not all of us have the ability to express it – that’s where the artist come in. They’re the gifted ones – for better or worse. Send your message to the world, and we respond.
RAP: What would you recommend to an ’emerging artist’ today?
Charlie: It’s hard work – prepare for that. It requires natural ability, but also training, commitment and perseverance.
RAP: How have new technologies & media culture changed art today?.. improving or worsening it…? …challenges?
Charlie: One of the biggest changes is social media, Instagram specifically. Artists can build careers through it alone, no need for a gallery, I know some who have. That is revolutionary, and empowering. The potential accessible audience out there… It also gives those who use it a huge and positive resource to see artworks, historical and contemporary. But as is often the case with social media, it can distort reality and give a sense being an artist is easy. It isn’t. Above all, art involves physical connection, to the works and to each other. That can be lost behind the noise of social media.
RAP: Understanding, interpreting, and then possibly judging the ‘work of art’; what is the right path when confronted with a work of art?
Charlie: I think it’s the physical response to a work of art that should be listened to first and foremost. That sensation you get when you look at something – positive or negative. Why is that? What is the cause? What do you like? What don’t you like? Then there’s time for the interpreting and understanding, which can enhance your appreciation, or turn you off.
RAP: What is the real role of Academies and Art Schools today? What can artists learn from these institutions today?
Charlie: However talented you might be, you need a context in which to create – Academies and Art Schools give that. Like all careers, you need training in your practice, and also of course for their support, and the connections and networks they give you. That’s invaluable.
RAP: How do Art Galleries and Museums position themselves today, and, in your opinion, how should they?
Charlie: One of our guiding principles at our gallery, Messums, is to be a ‘thought’ factory. I like that. Art at the centre, from which can develop a myriad of conversations, challenges and topics to explore. I think that’s a worthy principle for any gallery or museum.
RAP: …will Art save us?
Charlie: No – but it will help the journey.
@charlie__minter