In partnership with Frieze, this year we collaborated with the art fair in London to create two exclusive prints to celebrate the 2019 event.
We sat down with Louisa's cousin and gallery director, Blanche Parris, to discuss all things art and some of the artists to look out for this year.
Blanche Style Edit
Please could you tell me a little bit about your job?
I am the gallery director at Tristan Hoare in Fitzrovia. I organise the exhibition programme throughout the year, and work alongside our artists to create interesting content. I advise collectors on new acquisitions, and am always on the lookout for new opportunities for artistic collaborations. We host a wide range of events at the gallery, from talks, breakfast and private parties, it's always a pleasure to hear our guest's perspective on our work.
A little bit about the galley its-self?
Tristan Hoare has been based in Fitzrovia for the past four years, in a stunning Georgian building. We organise exhibitions in Paris and London, and represent exciting contemporary artists, alongside modern art and a special collection of antiquities. For the past year and half, we have been very interested in Asian ceramics, it's a joy to introduce collectors to these sculptures. We pride ourselves in moving away from the "white cube" style of gallery, to create a memorable, intimate experience for each visitor.
Current exhibition you have on?
We are currently showing Emotional Fields, by Italian artist Carolina Mazzolari. Emotional Fields is an exhibition of large scale contemporary tapestries, striking hand-embroidered textiles inspired by Kurt Lewin’s space diagrams and Carl Gustav Jung’s theories on the collective unconscious. For this show, Carolina worked closely with Fine Cell Work a nonprofit organisation which collaborates with UK prisoners and ex-prisoners, teaching them high-quality needlework to boost their self-worth, instils discipline and encourages them to lead independent, crime-free lives. It's a powerful show, and invites the viewer to reflect on femininity, questioning the place of female craft within the contemporary art world.
Caroline Mazzolari, Emotional Fields at Tristan Hoare Gallery
Who you would love to curate or exhibit if the opportunity arose?
I would love to exhibit Antoine Bourdelle at the gallery. Bourdelle was a late 19th Century Parisian sculptor, and his work is little known in the UK. He studied under Rodin, and in turn taught Matisse and Giacometti. His studio in Paris is one of the most beautiful museums I have visited. I love his strong, Art Deco female figures, and his focus on drapery. He challenges perceptions of gender and form, which are very relevant topics to explore.
Two artists you really rate at the moment?
I'm a huge fan of the Japanese ceramicist, Taizo Kuroda, which we showed in Paris last year. He sculpts only in white porcelain, and creates "torn" vases - a must have for any collection! My other favourite is Malick Sidibe, one of the greatest African photographers. I love his emphasis on fashion, the tenderness and humour which emanates from all his photographs.
Malick Sidibé, Mali Twist
Who’s your style inspiration and why?
I always look to Niki de Saint Phalle. She is one of my favourite artists and epitomises Parisian effortless cool. She used to have builder's and car mechanic's jumpsuits tailored in a really feminine way, and wore them with amazing earrings and heels - so chic!
Niki de Saint Phalle, Angel Vase (blue) (Nana l'Ange), 1993