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 Peter Ellis
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.
RAP: What is your definition of “art” today?
Peter Ellis: Art today is the art of now.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
@peterellisstudio