Driven by diversity

Interview with Galleri SPECTA

Diversity is key to the Copenhagen-based gallery SPECTA, who seeks to follow the idea of art not being isolated from the rest of the world, but rather serves as a way to translate individual perspectives into common issues. With six-eight exhibitions every year, SPECTA introduces a wide range of media by a diverse line-up of artists, who consistently explore and evolve their own specific approach. We met Gitte Johannesen from SPECTA for a little talk about their gallery profile and got a tip for the summer on top of that: their top 3 art destinations.

Name: SPECTA
Opening year: 1980 in Aarhus, moved to current address in Copenhagen in 1993
Number of artists: 19
Upcoming exhibitions: Aug/Sept. 2017: Poul Pedersen, Sept/Oct. 2017: Heine Kjærgaard Klausen, Nov/Dec 2017: TBA
Art fairs: Over the years, SPECTA has participated in different art fairs such as CHART art fair, Voltashow in Basel and New York, Market art fair, Art Rotterdam, ArtInternational Istanbul etc.

Daniel Svarre, Fathers Watch, 2016, installationview, Specta
Specta

How would you describe the program of your gallery?
SPECTA has a diverse program, encompassing all kinds of media and when representing a roster of artists, diversity is key to us. We have an emphasis on reaching out to many of the different aspects of contemporary art, always looking for positions which follow the idea of art not being isolated from the rest of the world, but rather serves as a way to translate individual perspectives into common issues.

Where and how do you find your artists?
We are always on the lookout. Usually we see works at exhibitions and then get in touch with artists.


Ellen Hyllemose, Under Udkanten, 2016, installationview, Specta

Are the artists somehow related in their artistic practices or have anything in common?
We look for artists who work outside mainstream expressions. This means an original approach to material and media, and a consistent effort evolving and exploring their own specific approach.

Who is your main audience, primarily local or international collectors?
Our audience is quite diverse, both enthusiasts and locals as well as international collectors, museums and public institutions.

What role do the art fairs play for you as a gallerist?
Art fairs are a way to go out and introduce our gallery and the artists to a new audience.


Galleri SPECTA
Ellen Hyllemose, Under Udkanten, 2016, installationview, Specta
Daniel Svarre, Uniforms, 2013, textile, installationview, Specta

SPECTA’s top 3 art destinations
1. Galleries, galleries, galleries
2. Big events such as art fairs, Venice Biennale, Documenta etc.
3. If specifically in our neighbourhood: CC – Copenhagen Contemporary


SPECTA installationview, Enter Before Your Leave, group show (John M Armleder, Peter Holst Henckel, Yonatan Vinitsky). Photo: Erling Lykke Jeppesen
Peter Holst Henckel, Priming and Framing, 2016, installationview, Specta

About SPECTA
Peder Skrams Gade 13
1054 Copenhagen K
+45 3313 0123
specta@specta.dk
Opening hours: Tue-Fri noon-5:30 pm, Sat 11 am – 2 pm and by appointment
Website: SPECTA