The Art Shop
The Art Shop (TAS) is a platform for the representation of artists without pretense, an inviting space for experimentation and participation. Reinventing the traditional model of an art gallery, TAS blurs the separated genres of art and affordability. Presenting local young creatives, TAS aims to catalyze a connection between emerging artists and those who are aesthetically driven and interested in art but find art galleries too pretentious or academic, educating viewers to trust in what they respond to and helping bridge the distance between viewer and art.
The mission of TAS is to contribute to the artistic culture of Vancouver as an identity recognized for representing artists in a novel way and for providing diverse opportunities for people to relate to art and artists. A space of experimentation and interpersonal communication, young, vibrant, and community-focused, the intention of TAS is for people to feel comfortable and welcomed, and for artists to feel represented in a positive and fair way.
An Interview with Mariana, founder of TAS
Ciara: How did The Art Shop start?
Mariana: The Art Shop (TAS) started as a desire to oppose the contemporary art world and its pretentiousness and exclusivity. The lack of transparency of commercial galleries, the necessary academic knowledge that feels needed to understand and appreciate art, and the sterile white walls that keep visitors from entering an art show, were some of the many opposing reasons why TAS was created. With very humble and small gestures in the grand scheme of things, TAS has the goal of creating inviting and accessible experiences for people to relate to art and artists.
Ciara: What are the biggest challenges and successes of creating something like TAS?
Mariana: Locally, the biggest challenge has been finding space. Space is a luxury in a city like Vancouver, but this led us to become nomadic and reach a wider number of people. Every challenge has its unintended benefits.
Ciara: What are your dreams for the future of TAS?
Mariana: I want TAS to be a jumping point for both artists and visitors, for people to learn the love of collecting art and supporting artists, and for artists to be motivated and grow their practice.
Ciara: I really love how both TAS and Salt & Citrus stem from wanting a space for experimentation and creating a space that is less intimidating for emerging artists/writers to get into. Do you have any tips for artists trying to get more involved in their community/getting their work out there?
Mariana: Consistency and commitment. Be proud of the work that you do and keep doing it. Show and share your work in any and all ways you can think of. Fill your instagram with photos of your work. Create a website. Follow artists you admire. Go to all the shows. Fill your life with what you love and keep yourself motivated.
Ciara: How would you describe the Vancouver art scene? Would you ever want to grow TAS outside of the city?
Mariana: There are so many incredible people in this city with great ideas and a great love of art. I think big thoughts are bubbling underneath the surface and we are going to see amazing things blossom in the next couple of years. TAS already exists in other places, where there are other people finding their own way of supporting young emerging artists in an accessible and inviting way.
Ciara: Why do you think it is important to highlight emerging art and the processes of experimentation?
Mariana: I think it's when we are most unsure of ourselves that we create the most beautiful things. Emerging artists are still growing, sometimes timidly inside of themselves, and by supporting their work we are motivating them to keep going and keep creating.
Ciara: What is accessible art to you and what are the biggest barriers artists and galleries face?
Mariana: Accessible art can mean so many different things. It's not only commercially accessible, where art made by emerging artists is not tens of thousands of dollars, for TAS accessibility is about how the artwork is presented itself. Presenting artworks alongside written words by the artist, inside a space filled with light, music and plants, where anyone is welcome to come and spend time learning and getting to know the artworks and artists. Accessibility is about creating an experience that feels welcoming and warm, a moment you want to enjoy and relive again. It's not news that artists and galleries have many barriers and challenges to face, and TAS is no exception, but for just a couple of days every couple of months, TAS wants to welcome the people of Vancouver to a space full of art made by the local community to support one another.
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Come find Salt & Citrus at the next TAS pop up!
Theme: Mixed Gems
October 28th-31st 2021
August Studios (510 Clark Drive)
12:00-7:00pm
“TAS Pop ups are temporary exhibitions of local emerging artists that take place in different locations and areas of Vancouver, with the aim of bringing art to the people to experience in an accessible and inviting way. Each pop up showcases the work of different artists, some are TAS Artists, and others are honorary guests. TAS selects the artists for each pop up depending on the curatorial theme of the show, presenting the idea to the artists who then create new work or show previous artworks that align with the curation. The curatorial underpinning hopes to be an accessible entry point for those interested in art but who find its presentation to be too pretentious or intimidating, presenting themes that are relatable and allowing the voice of the artist to be the front and center of the exhibition.”