Word on the street: Art
Ashlie and Stephen are at an art market to buy things for Ashlie's flat. But the brother and sister can't stop arguing over who can make better art. To settle it, they decide to have a competition. Who is the best artist? And who is the best salesperson?
Reporter Joe explores London's newest art events: pop-up galleries. He interviews the artists and art enthusiasts who visit these tiny temporary exhibitions.
Art Scene 1
"At an art market, Ash and Stephen find themselves in an argument about who is the better artist. They decide to have a competition, but first they need to find out what art is."
Audio
Transcript
Ashlie: What about this, Stephen?
Stephen: Typical, Ash. You choose the biggest thing in the market for your tiny flat.
Ashlie: Well, yeah... I guess it is a bit too big. Let's look over there.
Stephen: We can’t take too long. We’ve got to go and say hello to Pete.
Ashlie: Yeah, OK... We're at an art market – it's a kind of market where artists sell their art.
Stephen: Ashlie wants to buy some art for her flat and she’s already seen about ten things she wants to buy.
Stephen: Hi, Pete. How's it going?
Pete: Hi, guys. Great, thanks. It’s quite busy today. There’s lots of people buying things.
Ashlie: Wow... so you're actually making some money?
Pete: Yeah, of course. This is a great place to sell art.
Stephen: Right, well, let me give you a hand. You need a proper salesman!
Ashlie: Right, OK – you stay here. I'm off to find some art for my flat.
Stephen: OK, but don’t be gone too long – and don’t spend all your money!
…..
Ashlie: Hi there. Ooh, how much are these?
Stallholder: They’re twelve pounds.
Ashlie: They’re very cool. Are they all your own designs?
Stallholder: Yeah, they are. Liachild is my own brand.
Ashlie: Good luck with it!
Stallholder: Thanks a million.
Ashlie: Thanks.
Stallholder: Thank you.
…..
Stephen: So what did you buy, then?
Ashlie: Nothing, actually, but I’ve got an idea that could make us some money!
Stephen: What is it?
Ashlie: Well, I'm going to make some art, come back to the market and sell it! Brilliant idea, huh?
Stephen: Yes, excellent idea! Except one thing... You're not an artist.
Ashlie: Well, I can learn, can't I? All great artists had to start somewhere.
Stephen: Well, if it's that easy, why don't we both try and make some art? And then come back next week and try and sell it?
Ashlie: Stephen, I reckon you won’t be able to sell a single thing.
Stephen: Sounds like a challenge. Why don't we make it a bit more exciting?
Ashlie: In what way?
Stephen: Well, the one who sells the most is the winner... and the winner gets to keep all the money we make. Agree?
Ashlie: Agree.
Stephen: Ah! You’re going to be giving all your money to me!
Ashlie: Oh, yeah, right, whatever. Come on then, I need to get some inspiration.
.....
Stephen: So this is art, is it?
Ashlie: Err, yes, Stephen, it is.
Stephen: Looks like a pile of old junk to me.
Ashlie: Art is all about ideas. Try and look at what the artist is trying to say.
Stephen: This is harder than I thought.
Ashlie: Come on, let's have a look over there.
…..
Stephen: So Ash – what do you think of this? I have been trying to understand the message. What is the artist trying to say here?
Ashlie: Well, what do you think, Stephen?
Stephen: I guess he's trying to make us think about the modern world. He’s using a rubbish bin to show how everyday objects...
Ashlie: Stephen – that is a rubbish bin. Come on, you. Let’s make some art!
Art Scene 2
"The challenge is on, but first Ashlie and Stephen must decide what art to make. Stephen seems to be doing well, but there's a soapy surprise in store for his customers."
Audio
Transcript
Shop Assistant: Can I help you?
Stephen: Yes, maybe. We’re looking for something, some materials. You know, we want to make our own art.
Shop assistant: Sure. How about this? It's a candle-making kit. It's one of the most popular products we sell.
Ashlie: Hmm, that looks a bit easier than painting. I really like that Stephen. I think I'm going to make my own candles.
Stephen: I’m looking for something a bit different.
Shop assistant: OK. Well, how about this? Everyone always needs soap.
Stephen: Ooh, soap! That's a better idea than candles.
Ashlie: Thank you.
…..
Ashlie: Stephen, you need to take your time. This is art. You need to think about the colours.
Stephen: Ash, us artists, we prefer to create. You know, do what comes naturally.
Ashlie: But you need to be more careful. Prepare. You need to read the instructions – err, and I think you need to mix the colours first.
Stephen: Oh Ash, I don’t need to read the instructions. I’m nearly finished... and we’ve got so much to do. Stop dreaming and start making candles.
Ashlie: OK...
…..
Stephen: Ha! I’m going to win. I've got ten times more stuff to sell.
Ashlie: Stephen. It is not about quantity. It is quality that counts.
Stephen: Well, it is a competition, Ash. And whoever sells the most will be the best salesman and the best artist and I am going to sell the most.
Ashlie: Hmmm. We'll see.
.....
Shopper: How much are these?
Stephen: Oh, they're three pounds each.
Shopper: Can I have four, please?
Stephen: Yes! That will be twelve pounds, please.
Ashlie: Oh... Would you like a candle for a pound?
Shopper: Er, no, thank you.
.....
Stephen: How are you getting on, Ash?
Ashlie: Not too bad – I’ve sold a few more.
Stephen: I’ve sold more than 20 bars of soap. That’s more than 60 pounds. Not bad, eh? Come on, Ash. I think I’ve won. Hand over the money.
Ashlie: OK then, Stephen. Here you go... you win.
Stephen: There’s one of my customers from this morning. She bought four bars of soap. Maybe she needs some more.
Shopper: Excuse me. I bought this soap from you this morning.
Stephen: Yes?
Shopper: And I want my money back!
Ashlie: And so do I, Stephen. Come on. I want my money back, too.
Pop-up Galleries
"There's more to London's art scene than just its world-famous galleries. Join Joe as he finds out about a new kind of gallery..."
Audio
Joe: London is famous for its vibrant art scene. It’s got some of the best art galleries in the world. Among them, the National Gallery... the Tate Britain... the National Portrait Gallery and many more. They are here permanently; they are part of the London landscape. But not all our galleries are like that.
Now there’s a new kind of art gallery springing up or popping up in London. They’re set up quickly, enjoyed for a short time, maybe a few days or a week. And then they close again. They’re called pop-up art galleries.
All you need is an empty building, permission from the owner, some artists and then some visitors to pop in.
…..
In London’s Covent Garden a new pop-up art gallery is being organised in an empty shop by Ryan Stanier.
Joe: Hi, Ryan.
Ryan: Hi, Joe.
Joe: You alright?
Ryan: Yes, good.
Joe: So Ryan, what are the advantages of a pop-up art gallery compared to a traditional gallery?
Ryan: Big, traditional galleries take on less artists when times are tough. Therefore it’s a good opportunity for a younger audience to actually see emerging artists.
Joe: And it’s good for visitors as well.
Ryan: Absolutely. It’s free to come in. We try and make an informal environment making it very unintimidating and a nice buying environment to buy affordable art from young artists.
Joe: What can I help you with?
Ryan: Come inside and I’ll show you.
.....
Ryan: Well, welcome to the gallery. As you can see, there’s still a bit left to do.
Joe: Let me help you out.
Pop-up galleries are an example of people creating an opportunity during economic hard times. It’s a way of using buildings which would otherwise be empty.
OK, so that’s the hard work done. Now it’s time to see what’s on show.
….
London’s newest pop-up art gallery is finally open to the public. But what do they think of it?
Woman 1: Yeah, I think it’s really neat. It’s a good idea.
Man 1: Well, I think it’s a fantastic use of space.
Woman 2: It doesn’t look like it’s just been put up. It looks like it could have been here for quite a while.
Man 2: Yeah, it’s a very, sort of, you know, bright, colourful, in your face and it’s a good space to sort of go in.
…..
Laura is one of the artists whose work is on display here.
Joe: Laura, most of these paintings here are yours. What was it that made you want to put your art work in a pop-up art gallery?
Laura: Erm, it’s just a basically an excellent opportunity to be able to display work which I might not have been able to do in a more established gallery.
Joe: Has it helped you as an artist?
Laura: Definitely. I mean, for somebody who’s not established yet, it’s better to have the paintings in a shop than to have them at home still.
Joe: And you sell them here, don't you?
Laura: Yes.
Joe: It’s been a great way to bring more art to more people and no doubt another one will be popping up soon.