11 Dec Ivory Gate Gallery Founder Stasia Lev on the Gallery's Newest Shows
Source Credit: Content and images from Artnet News. Read the original article - https://news.artnet.com/art-world/7-questions-stasia-lev-ivory-gate-gallery-2584584
First established in Chicago as Stasias Gallery in 2023 by Stasia Lev, the gallery, now known as Ivory Gate Gallery, expanded its footprint to Shanghai this year, allowing for greater cross-cultural exchange and a greater presence in the art worlds of both East and West. The new name of the gallery is derived from the Odyssey, Homer’s epic poem that deals with themes of opportunity, exploration, and hope. Specializing in the work of international emerging artists, the gallery sets itself apart through its close, long-term relationships with artists, resulting in programs and projects that reflect dynamic collaborations and an enduring commitment to sharing a diverse range of creative voices.
To mark Ivory Gate Gallery’s recent expansion, we reached out to Stasia to learn more about the development of the gallery’s program as well as how the dual international spaces respectively inform what goes on view.
Installation view of “The song I dreamt of” (2024) featuring Josiah Ellner, Richard Hull, and True Markham. Courtesy of Ivory Gate Gallery, Chicago and Shanghai.
Can you tell us a bit about your background, and what led you to establish Ivory Gate Gallery?
I was born and raised in Saint Petersburg, Russia, where I obtained my first master’s degree in graphic design from the University of Technology and Design. Subsequently, I moved to Chicago to pursue a Post-Baccalaureate and MFA degree at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. While both Russia and the U.S.A. have provided me with a high-quality education and extensive exposure to the arts from a young age, I am currently focused on exploring the potential of the Asian art market and business opportunities.
While at the moment I am taking it slow on my personal art practice, as an international gallery owner with locations in Chicago and Shanghai, I have dedicated my career to promoting emerging and mid-career artists from diverse backgrounds. My galleries strive to create a vibrant cultural exchange and foster a global appreciation for the arts.
Installation view of “Diana Motta: Heaven Touched” (2024). Courtesy of Ivory Gate Gallery, Chicago and Shanghai.
Originally based in Chicago, the gallery now has a strong presence in Shanghai. What advantages do you see in maintaining a presence in these two seemingly disparate cities?
Maintaining a presence in both Chicago and Shanghai offers strategic advantages. Chicago’s rich art scene provides a solid foundation and access to a broad network of American and European artists. Shanghai, as a cultural hub in Asia, offers exposure to a fast-growing market and diverse artistic influences. This dual presence enables vibrant cultural exchange, expanding market reach, and fostering global appreciation for the arts. It also enhances resilience, allowing the gallery to adapt to economic and cultural shifts. Ultimately, this global footprint elevates the gallery’s brand, demonstrating a commitment to supporting and promoting artists worldwide.
How would you describe the gallery’s core mission or ethos?
Our mission centers on nurturing artists’ growth and creativity, collaborating closely with emerging talents to curate thought-provoking exhibitions. We meticulously select the most courageous artists who push the boundaries of contemporary art. Their outstanding and thoughtful works converge within our gallery, creating an interconnected and dynamic space. Beyond being merely an exhibition venue, Ivory Gate Gallery serves as a platform for sharing experiences, stories, and building sustainable connection between East and West art world.
Atticus Gordon, Aqueduct (2024). Courtesy of the artist and Ivory Gate Gallery, Chicago and Shanghai.
What do you look for in an artist’s work? Is there a unifying thread or commonality amongst the artists that you show?
My priority is deep, personal connections with the authors of the works. I try to understand what exactly the artist wants to convey, how they see their future exhibitions, positioning, program, opening. This is very important, since I need to be sincerely interested not only in the work of art, but also in the creator themselves, getting to know their personality and perception of the world. Then the exhibitions will turn out to be deeper, richer, and, of course, attract more connoisseurs and collectors of contemporary art.
Beyond the narrative and message within the artworks, I always emphasize the fundamentals: composition, exquisite brushwork, and the complexity of layers. A remarkable painting captivates the viewer, drawing them into other worlds. It seizes attention, stimulates intellectual engagement, and invites dialogue and discussion. Such a work doesn’t reveal all its secrets immediately, rather, it offers subtle hints and surprises. The longer one gazes, the more layers and intricacies they discover.
Installation view of “Tomorrow Takes Care” (2024). Courtesy of Ivory Gate Gallery, Chicago and Shanghai.
In Chicago, the dual artist exhibition “Tomorrow Takes Care” is on view. Can you tell us about the artists and themes of the show?
Atticus Gordon and Martin Golland’s paintings explore the complex interplay between individuals and their environments, blending abstraction and representation to capture moments where perception surpasses mere representation. Their works delve into the edges of objects and narratives, bridging thought and bodily sensation through the creative process. They engage viewers in a search, feeling their way through creating and deconstructing, adding and subtracting elements. Gordon’s art merges figuration and abstraction, constructing enigmatic worlds within worlds. Golland’s paintings fuse built environments with nature, crafting a space where logic and coherence give way to imagination and unexpected connections. Both artists challenge fixed dualities, inviting contemplation and a deeper understanding of reality through their imaginative and exploratory works.
Martin Golland, Now, this perpetual night (2024). Courtesy of the artist and Ivory Gate Gallery, Chicago and Shanghai.
And in Shanghai, you are gearing up to show the work of Lindsey Kirchner. What can visitors expect?
Kircher begins her painting process by sourcing images of iconic, conventionally beautiful women from American culture, such as Playboy models and professional cheerleaders. She experiences a conflict between wanting to look like these women and rejecting the idea of being an object of desire. Painting from these images allows the artist to deconstruct and reimagine them, creating hybrid figures that are elusive and complex. Through her work, Kircher grapples with the freedoms and limitations of beauty, negotiating femininity and sexuality while challenging objectification. These paintings reflect the artist’s internal struggle and transformation, merging their identity with the subjects.
Lindsey Kirchner, Angel Walk (2024). Courtesy of Ivory Gate Gallery.
What goes into tailoring gallery’s exhibition program? What considerations are front of mind when putting together a show either in Chicago or Shanghai?
I am fortunate to have two distinct spaces, each with unique and flexible floor plans that facilitate diverse programming opportunities. This flexibility allows artists the freedom to select their co-exhibitors, leading to more meaningful and compelling exhibitions through collaborative discussions. I have a particular fondness for group shows, as they enable me to weave narratives through the selected artworks. Collaborating with curators is especially rewarding, as I am eager to explore the stories they can bring to my spaces. This dynamic approach enriches the exhibition experience, strengthening the artists’ messages and engaging our audience in deeper conversations about contemporary art.
Learn more about Ivory Gate Gallery here.
Source Credit: Content and images from Artnet News. Read the original article - https://news.artnet.com/art-world/7-questions-stasia-lev-ivory-gate-gallery-2584584