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Responding to the growth in popularity but perhaps a lack of confident understanding of art, Kate Gordon has built an educational model which aims to cultivate awareness and stimulate debate within the wider public about this particular arena of creativity we are all so familiar with, but often confused by.
With a background firmly based in the art world, working at Sotheby’s and as an arts producer at CNN, Kate Gordon is building on strong foundations while drawing on her valuable industry contacts which London Art Studies (LAS) relies upon to offer instruction and conduct debates.
With the aim to make art as accessible as possible, courses are held in the morning, midday and evenings and focus on a wide spectrum of genres from haute couture to practical seminars on collecting art and more detailed lectures on individual artists.
This autumn sees a new platform at LAS – debates. Experts Ben Street and Elizabeth Perrote will argue the case for their favoured artist to determine, who is “better”, their level of impact and who will withstand the test of time. Gordon has certainly introduced a new level of art criticism with an edge of exclusivity as these debates with be held at the Bulgari Hotel, in London’s Knightsbridge.
The first of three debates will be an examination of Damien Hirst and Ai Weiwei – perfectly timed for the opening of Hirst’s new Vauxhall gallery and Weiwei’s highly anticipated show at the Royal Academy later this week.
What prompted you to create this format of art debates?
I’ve always worked in the arts, so between CNN and Sotheby’s I have seen how curious people are to learn about art. I wanted to create something where you could learn from great teachers – and yes, take some of the mystery out of the art world – without being too demanding of people’s time.
As for the debates, we’ve found that everyone enjoys a lively debate. It’s learning, with a sort of edge in a way. The art is to make the debate subject interesting and make sure that those debating are both knowledgeable and up for the challenge!
How did you choose the featured artists?
We started thinking about creating a debate series around a year ago and tried to keep an eye out for advance chatter about a great exhibition, or trend in the arts. We wanted to create a forum to explore the hottest and most controversial art and current exhibitions. Then, the lecturers and I discussed how to create something new and challenging for each class, while figuring out ways students can both participate (if they want to) and learn.
What do you hope is achieved through each debate?
We want people to open their minds and not be afraid to ask questions about art and artists; everyone always dismisses certain artists when they don’t understand their work.
So are there any artists who you feel like you don’t understand their work?
I fully confess to not understanding the appeal of Jeff Koons, but I hope to learn, via our debate with Ben Street and Lizzie Perrotte, why people will be speaking about Jeff Koons in 100 years time, and I think having the lecturers go head to head in a debate, to explain their views, is simply a great way to learn.
What do you want the audience to take from each evening?
To feel inspired to learn more about the artists, to visit a gallery and of course, to return to a London Art Studies class.
How did you get the experts involved in the project?
I had headed up the Public Programmes Department at Sotheby’s, so was already involved in education and knew the kind of experts I wanted to hire. After that, we were very fortunate in that lecturers recommended colleagues whom they knew would fit with our style and way of working.
Personally, what prompted you to make the change from TV production to creating the Art Series?
Interestingly, so much of what we did on television on CNN was about education; we explored up-and-coming artists, revealed not to be missed exhibitions; what we’re doing now simply provides a bit more background to the art and artists, and in an interesting and sociable environment.
Alongside running art debates you also run courses on art. When did you recognise the need for courses on art?
I launched London Art Studies in 2011, after several people told me that they would have enjoyed the landmark Leonardo da Vinci exhibition at the National Gallery so much more, had they just known a little bit more about his work. It was a light bulb moment. I knew there was a gap in the market for short and entertaining, courses about art.
Moving forward where do you see the debate series in the next few years?
The one thing I’ve learned with business is the need to constantly evolve. I hope to run with the debate series for the next year or so, and then I’m sure there will be some new format, trend or discussion about art that will need to be explored!
by Stephanie Clair
The first Great Art Debate will be held this Wednesday, September 16, at the Bulgari Hotel. Tickets can be bought here.