Peter Ellis is a British artist born Manchester 1951; he studied at Camberwell School of Art ’79-’83 & Royal College of Art ’85-’88.  Peter had solo exhibitions at Nigel Greenwood gallery and Anthony Wilkinson gallery.  Selected group exhibitions: Acrochage Fischer fine art ’98, John Moores 20, John Moores 21.  Awards: Mario Dubsky travel award (Spain) ’86, Rothko Fellowship (travel bursary) New York/San Francisco ’90, Krasner Pollock Foundation (career/studio) ’01.

Art, whatever it takes – RomeArtProgram has made interviews with people involved in art, living in Italy, the USA and the UK, to know their feelings during the emergency.
–> Peter Ellis interview:


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

– Peter: Art today is the art of now.
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RAP: Art is dynamic and regenerates itself… how does it change, and how did it change us?

– Peter: Our perceptions change over time. Art that survives does not change.
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RAP: When (and how) did you understand that art was becoming very important in your life?

– Peter: I was drawing constantly when i was small, even then it was very imporant to me. The context has changed, but it remains an important part of my life.
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RAP: What role does art play today? What are the “great figures” who have recently changed it? Do you feel close to any of these figures?

– Peter: Art influences my perception of the present, e.g. Agnes Martin’s work and life has greatness in my view.
I admire her working method and the paintings that it produced. I don’t feel particularly close to any artist, past or present.
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RAP: Are there still traditional figures such as collectors, muses, mecenate and patrons, in today’s art and society interaction model?

– Peter: Art is a global market, all the above are involved in one way or another.
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RAP: How have the new technologies and media culture changed art today, improving or worsening it…? What do you feel are your biggest challenges?

– Peter: We’re all witnessing a profound change in the way we consume data. New languages and forms are evolving , and we are in the midst of it. The biggest challenge is to process the volume of stuff coming at you.
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RAP: Art as a mirror of man, in this moment of emergency seems to be shattered …what do these fragments reflect now?… Shadow or light of the moment?

– Peter: I’m optimistic… I see resurrection in these fragments, darkness then light.
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RAP: Understanding, interpreting, and then possibly judging the work of art; which is the right path when we are in front of a piece of art?

– Peter: Simple act of looking generates feeling. It’s personal and complex. There is no correct path. We must each find our own.
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RAP: Which is the real role of Academies and Art schools today? What can artists learn from these institutions today?

– Peter: Exchange of views and ideas alongside contemporaries from all cultural backgrounds regardless of age or gender. The flow of information in all directions irrigates future projects.
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RAP: Art too has undergone a complex process of globalization; can having an authentic and genuine style be an advantage or a drag for an artist?

– Peter: A truly authentic style survives all changes. It should be liberating.
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RAP: How do Art Galleries and Museums position themselves today, and, in your opinion, how should they?

– Peter: Today they are too embroiled in politics. Ideally they would be allowed to evolve as truly independent entities.
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RAP: “Figuration” vs “Abstraction”: which of the two is better descriptive of the period we live in? Which one will have a better future?

– Peter: There is no argument, or opposition. It’s all one beautiful mess.
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RAP: Today we often speak of “emerging artists”; what advice based on your experience do you feel you can give to young artists?

– Peter: If you’re feeling it… DO IT.
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RAP: Art as a lens for reading the present, can it modify the space and time we pass through? …will art save us?

– Peter: It’s everywhere now. Enjoy life in the moment. Don’t look for salvation.

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@peterellisstudio

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