Curating Chaos: The Artistic Collaborations of John Marchant

If you're looking for some creative inspiration, today's guest John Marchant shares his unique journey as a curator, gallerist, and artist collaborator. He's worked with some big names in the industry, such as Body Map and Jamie Reid, and he discusses how he balances the artist's vision with the expectations of galleries and audiences. John also talks about his current project, a large-scale installation in a field that combines art, spirituality, and a political message. His story is all about curiosity, resilience, and the transformative power of art. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Embrace opportunities: John's pivotal moment came when he saw a spread of photographs in a magazine that inspired him to pursue a different path. He encourages others to seize opportunities, even if they seem unconventional or risky.

2. Curiosity and openness: John's curiosity led him to work with a diverse range of artists and explore different creative scenes. He was drawn to politically active artists and those who pushed boundaries, allowing him to learn and grow in his role as a curator.

3. Navigating different perspectives: As a curator, John had to navigate the space between the artist's vision and the expectations of funders and galleries. He learned to wear different hats and see from multiple perspectives to create cohesive and meaningful exhibitions.

4. Demand the impossible: Jamie Reid's iconic artwork often carried political messages and challenged the status quo. John learned the power of demanding the impossible and pushing boundaries through art, which resonated with audiences and sparked conversations.

5. Resilience and adaptability: John's experiences, from working in construction to curating exhibitions, taught him resilience and adaptability. He learned to navigate challenging situations, work with limited resources, and find creative solutions to bring artists' visions to life.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "I opened a very, very early copy of ID magazine…this massive thing was clanging in my head saying, you do not have to conform to what you're being raised for."

2. "Jamie Reid…the artwork for the Pistols was actually a political action in itself."

3. "Demand the impossible…people love that still."

4. "We proposed this thing with a whole series of festivals around the year…and they said, Yeah, we'll do that. That seems great."

5. "We're standing there in this field with the local chapter of the Druid Order, kids brought in by the Sensory Trust, various people…that was one of the maddest things that we actually did together."

ABOUT THE HOST

Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company www.cerihand.com. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way.

Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand