Space In Between present INTER-ALTER

Space In Between present an exhibition of work by contemporary artists and designers - exploring the boundaries between the two practices - as part of London Design Festival 2010.

Where Beats This Human Heart

The art scene in East London is often referred to as underground, suggesting its young and non-commercial nature. This week art in the East End was literally taken underground when the dynamic curatorial trio 'Space In Between' hosted its latest exhibition,'Where Beats This Human Heart,' in a WWII bunker.

It is unbelievable how a space such as this has remained undiscovered for so long. My fascination to experience a true bunker made me wonder whether, unavoidably, the sheer magnitude of it would over power the art work that I had initially been invited to see.

I was quickly assured that was not the case.And, surely 'Where Beats This Human Heart' was a prime example of how art and architecture challenge one another, and, how in this polemic relationship absolute harmony can also be established.

I leave you with some images that capturthe exhibition's highlights.

Talking to Space In Between

Ida, Hannah and Laura met in their school’s art class and have since bounced off each other’s creative and artistic flair. 

In early 2009 they set up Space In Between, a curatorial collective, based on their common belief that all artists ought to be provided with an ideal environment that nurtures and invigorates creative talent. The trio are adamant that this environment should also pose as a promotional platform for the creatives they are involved with. 

In the past year they have hosted six shows in derelict spaces that they transformed into exquisite exhibition halls. All exhibitions generated a significant amount of publicity and attended by a large audience. This is how Space In Between brings emerging artists to the forefront but when I met with Ida she was keen to stress that as exciting as this process is artists should never be pushed; maintaining artistic integrity and independence is paramount. 

In the art world stories of artists and curators accusing one another of impinging on each other’s creative space are definitely not rare. As Space In Between goes from strength to strength I wonder whether they have discovered the remedy for this sort of trouble. Ida says ‘it’s simply establishing a fair and open relationship from the start where dialogue between the two is allowed to flourish.’ As Ida guides me through ‘Rubber Line’, an exhibition hosted by Space In Between featuring works by Nick Roberts and Neil Porter, dialogue between the two artists, their curators and the audience is evident. 

When I mention this to Ida she considers this to be one of the show’s biggest successes. “The public for some reason have the impression that a private curator or gallery owner is restricted by that which guarantees commercial success. That is not the case with Space In Between we always try to create critical shows.” But as Ida and her colleagues put in so much effort to promote artists they believe in what is left in it for them? 

The three are undoubtedly budding curators and owning their own space is an ambition they hope to fulfil in the near future. Ida informs me that Space In Between came up in a tutorial at Slade School of Fine Art and on another occasion in Tate Rooms. She says stories like these ones confirm to the trio that all their efforts are not in vein. 

At that point a passer by decides to pop into the exhibition. Ida enthusiastically shows him round. It turns out he is an artist and keenly asks for more information about Space In Between; Ida, Hannah and Laura are obviously doing it right!

All images were provided by Ida Champion. Images taken by Venetia Van Hoorn Alkema. Copying these without the permission of Ida, Venetia or Fox&Squirrel is strictly prohibited.