On Thursday 22 March, in the Milan flagship store of adidas originals, the 4 artists involved in the project #OriginalsMilano Grid Talk discussed with the curator Caio Twombly, and with the audience, the meaning of the grid, how this structure affects their art and its connection with the DEERUPT concept.
Photographer Luca Grottoli, filmmaker Claire Kleinman and the artists Daniel Sansavini, Kai and Adrian Schachter were the protagonists of a back-and-forth that culminated in an event with a secret show by rapper G.bit.
On this occasion we interviewed the young curator of the exhibition, who will be open until April 4, who told us how he started his work as a curator and something about his approach:
How did you start your work, can I ask you what is your story?
My work started approximately four years ago, when I was living in London. I hadn’t found great comfort and inspiration in the city and was living a considerably lackadaisical life. After meeting, Kai and Adrian Schachter (two of the artists involved in GRID TALK) I decided to host an art show in my East London apartment. Finally, I was engaging in an activity which drew me great satisfaction. The show sold out and I felt extremely motivated to continue my career as a curator. I moved to New York months later, enrolled in art history course and have hosted eight shows to date. It has been extremely encouraging to witness my curatorial intentions develop, Kai and Adrian have been key players in my development and I’d venture to say this has also been reflected in their art.
What is your creative approach when you measure yourself with a new project?
I wouldn’t say I have a clear-cut procedure when considering new projects. These vary considerably depending circumstances. However, I usually do try to stir away from all formalities when negotiating a project, certainly when working with younger artists. When an image isn’t enough to engage the spectator the fault is partly shared with the curator. I believe a curator mustn’t necessarily only make sense of things or create cohesive narratives but also influence the space in ways to create surprise and artificially interpret unexplored realities; this is obviously all dependable on the artists or overlying themes intent… The curator acts as the invisible artist, never to loud to disrupt but either silent enough bore.
How did your collaboration with adidas DEERUPT start and how did you choose the 4 artists to involve in this project?
Carlo Palazzo first approached me a few months ago with the idea. His enthusiasm motivated me and it has been great working with him and the brand. As I’ve mentioned earlier I’ve worked on several shows with Kai and Adrian, and since we’ve established a solid creative relationship, they’re always my go-to artists before investing in a new project. I met Claire in New York and she immediately struck me as an extremely driven artist, she preceded me in fully understanding the show’s potential. Luca is an established fashion photographer and I think his curriculum speaks for itself. Carlo first introduced me to Daniel and I was pleasantly surprised to have seen his work before for my cousin’s fashion brand: Priscavera. I recall first seeing it and immediately liking it; a coincidence I couldn’t ignore.
Ph: Serena Sambrunone
Video: Ivan Van Khokhlov
