A visit to Globe Aroma, part 1
Behind a small door near Brussels' Nieuwe Graanmarkt, you discover Globe Aroma, a studio firmly rooted in the world. It is an artistic workspace and meeting place that provides space, time, and a network for artists, co-creators, and art enthusiasts with a newcomer background.
Alice Ciresola is the project manager of the workshop: “In the workplace of Globe Aroma is active a diverse group of artists supported via tailored-made trajectories aimed at the development of their artistic practices. In general, we support artists by providing them with a physical workspace and materials, but most importantly, we create contexts for them to build their network in the art field, which is the most difficult thing to do when you are new to a country. There are around 20 spots here (individual workstations and spots in common areas), which get occupied on a rotating basis. Artists usually stay here around 1 year and a half, but we evaluate regularly every 6 months with them, as every trajectory is different."
"During this time, we understand how to collaborate together, as well as how to work toward certain goals which are different for everyone. The trajectory starts for everyone with conversations about them and their practices and the invitation to come to Globe Aroma and use the common tables and materials and meet the other artists. This way, we get to know each other in proximity while working and at a later stage we decide which practices we support in a more structured way. This system creates an extensive, ever-changing network of artists who can meet and inspire each other.”
“After they have reached out, invitations to artists to come and work in Globe Aroma spaces (atelier, rehearsal room, coworking space) are based on their ambitions, needs, and artistic practices. Part of our support to the artists includes, for example, reviewing their portfolios together, organizing photo sessions of their work, connecting them with curators, hosting information sessions, and providing advice on submitting applications for residencies or open calls.”
Working here requires a certain mindset because everything is shared. As an artist, you must take responsibility for each other and the space. During the assemblé atelier we discuss the operations together with all the artists.
Let's dive into the studio and speak with some artists.
Egoo Dallas
What material do you prefer to work with?
I normally work with oil and acrylic on canvas, but also mixed media. I have some work series that feature religious symbols, so I collect icons and crosses that then transform by the addition of new elements. Recently, I am into paper collage but what characterizes my work is the use of found material and objects that I normally collect in flea markets.
Do you have a fixed way of working in the studio?
I am a person who needs routine. I come and work every afternoon of the week. Usually I pass by the flea market to see if there is something I want to get or buy before heading to the atelier and store it there for future use. When I arrive I always know what I will work on, it’s something I plan the night before.
How do the other artists in the studio influence your work (way)?
Seeing the works of other artists nourishes my practice. There are artists I look at for their way of recuperating or selecting materials or for the way they convey certain messages and topics. Sometimes, we also share ideas and we start imagining collaborations for the future.
What does your dream studio look like?
If I had to describe my dream studio, it would be a huge private studio with big windows. I like sharing the studio with other people but for certain projects I have in mind I’d need more space and privacy. It would be a space with walls and ground fully covered with materials and artworks.
Seeing the works of other artists nourishes my practice.
Nastasiya Kharytonova
What material do you prefer to work with?
I’d say oil painting, because it requires a slow working process that allows me to think while doing but also because it smells nice. Recently I have started using clay to make small sculptures because I want to get more tactile. But it’s always colored clay. In general oil and acrylic paint are my favorite, I like mixing colors and finding lots of different shades.
Do you have a fixed way of working in the studio?
Not really. My way of working changes a lot according to my mood. Sometimes I am very productive, sometimes I cannot focus so I prefer to go for a walk or go to eat something. In general, I arrive at the atelier and then I understand what I have or want to do. Although, lately I keep working and working on the same painting. Every time I leave I think it’s finished and when I come back the painting ‘is calling me’ back to her…
What is your favorite object in the studio?
It’s not an object…but I actually love the smell of food that sometimes comes from the kitchen downstairs. And the fact that everything in the atelier is so colorful. It gives nice vibrations.
Diana Campos (Lo inevitable)
What material do you prefer to work with?
I always work with digital matters such as video, image and sound. I like to recycle, so I often use material found on the internet to create new narratives. Lately I’ve been experimenting with textiles and light. I'm fascinated by the natural patterns that make up textiles and see opportunities to apply digital techniques to these materialities.
Do you have a fixed way of working in the studio?
No, but I usually arrive with new ideas that I get from my work and social environments and I put them on paper as soon as I arrive. After that, the creative and working process evolves organically according to time and needs.
Do you sometimes work elsewhere?
I also work from home, as I am developing art theory and critic (which I also consider as an artistic practice), and sometimes I work at a friend's studio when I participate in collective scenographic projects.
What are the advantages of a collective studio, and are there any disadvantages?
Finding community, creating links and networks, sharing ideas, learning from each other's references and experiences, and cultivating techniques. There are also disadvantages, such as the sound environment, which for some people can be annoying, and the management of the space in terms of cleanliness and arrangement of materials and artwork, which can be difficult.
The advantages of a collective studio? Finding community, creating links and networks, sharing ideas, learning from each other's references and experiences, and cultivating techniques.
Habib Saher
What material do you prefer to work with?
I work with a large variety of materials. I have experienced working with bronze, marble, fiberglass-resin and plaster in the past but in my more recent works I use mixed media depending on the piece. Currently the material is dependent on the purpose of the work and it can vary from electronic circuits to sand to living organisms.
What does your dream studio look like?
One huge window to the ocean and another huge window facing the forest.
If I want to point out a disadvantage it'd be that I personally lose focus easily and can get caught in a conversation for a while and forget to finish my work.
How do the other artists in the studio influence your work (way)?
It's always great to be among people who share similar views and passions. Sharing ideas with others can always be inspiring. Also being in a place where art is being made has an encouraging vibe to it that can immediately put me in the mood.
What are the advantages of a group studio for you? Are there any disadvantages?
I just talked about the advantages, if I want to point out a disadvantage it'd be that I personally lose focus easily and can get caught in a conversation for a while and forget to finish my work.
On Sunday, May 5th, you can visit Globe Aroma and meet the artists.
Curious about the other artists at Globe Aroma? Read here the second part of the interviews.
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