CULTURE CLUB
GALLERIE V MEET THE MOTHER-AND-DAUGHTER DUO PROVIDING A PLATFORM FOR BUDDING ARTISTS TO SHOW OFF THEIR WORK ONE BIG FAMILY
Cambridge is fortunate to be home to an ever-growing arts scene – from Byard Art to collectives such as Cambridge Artworks and quirky spaces like Extraordinary Objects. Enriching the tapestry of unique locales in the city is Gallerie V on St John’s Street, an independent gallery spread over four floors that exhibits work by young artists aged exclusively between 14 and 25. This is the passion project of mother and daughter Samantha de Reus and Vienna Zhang, who had wanted to open something for years, but couldn’t find the right circumstance – until moving to Cambridge in 2020. Vienna was in the first year of her GCSEs, balancing studies with redesigning the gallery interiors, creating a website, social media and posters, as well as curating the opening exhibition and producing her own paintings to display. For Samantha, it was following her daughter’s development that encouraged her to open a spot for supporting young creatives. “I realised there are so many talented artists out there, but it’s really difficult for them to get into galleries,” she says. “Ours gives them the ability to get exposure, and experience what it is like to exhibit in a physical space.” Vienna adds: “It’s very hard for any artist, let alone young people, to be taken seriously. We rarely get a chance to have work displayed to the public.” Add to that the restrictions imposed by the pandemic – forcing them to miss out on presenting finished pieces at their usual degree shows – and it’s clear that the need for a public platform has never been greater. “Since we are in such a central location, many tourists and locals visit – it’s a great opportunity,” she beams. Gallerie V holds regular exhibitions through the year, but is always open to submissions. “We have received applications from every walk of life – GCSE pupils to fine art graduates and students from the University of Cambridge – as well as people who aren’t involved with the university,” says Samantha. The gallery is currently holding its summer exhibition, with oil paintings by Vienna – who is artist in residence at the gallery – and
RISING STARS Gallerie V focuses on eye-catching pieces that display the creativity of young artists
submissions from multiple artists in a range of different media. There will also be screenings of a short film produced for the gallery by freelance artist Anamaria Koeva called The Artist Speaks . In it, past contributors pay testament to what the experience has meant to them. The gallery welcomes proposals from artists looking to hold their own events, too. Anna Dermitzaki, who was selected for the opening show in 2021, is organising an open call for a display run by her and two artists she met studying at the University of Loughborough. Based on the theme of nostalgia, Beyond the Bubble alludes to the university environment and the confinement people felt during lockdown. “Gallerie V has been extremely supportive throughout. We are so grateful to be able to use such an amazing location for our exhibition, which will open to the public from 10 to 24 September,” says Anna. For Anna, now navigating the art world post-university, it’s also an ongoing source of inspiration, with a chance to mingle with others like her. “Since opening in 2021, Gallerie V has hosted various performances, exhibitions and events that enabled us to make connections nationwide,” she explains. “As young artists, it means a lot to have this opportunity. We want to encourage creatives to get involved in the ever-expanding community Gallerie V has established in Cambridge.” Gallerie V is now accepting submissions for its autumn exhibition. For more, visit galleriev.com or follow @gallerievcambridge on Instagram.
NOBLE ART EVENTS AT GALLERIE V
Gallerie V hosts various events and talks throughout the year. In the past, these included a performing arts evening, film screening by a visiting artist from Syracuse University in New York, and fundraising event for a Ukrainian children’s charity showcasing works by artists from the country. Freelance creative Molly Cawthorn runs workshops based on her two main forms of practice – abstract landscape and realist charcoal drawings. Find out further information on Molly’s work at mollsportfolio.com , or by following her on Instagram: @mollsportfolio
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