Gain Experience in Order To Give Experience

On Monday I watched Kojey Radical perform live as part of the promo for his latest album, Don’t Look Down. The energy and passion he poured into his performance was evident—a true artist who knows how to connect with the audience. Enamoured by his stage presence, I was also touched by something else. In between songs, Kojey spoke about taking a three year hiatus before the release of the album. “I needed to gain experience in order to give experience,” he said after the first song. Now, look—I am a curator and any opportunity to understand the minds and hearts of artists will not pass me. So of course I whipped by phone out and opened the Notes app, ready to go to school after he said that bar, and I typed as he poetically spoke about his experience.

To create the complete piece of art that is this new album, he had to take a step out of the limelight and the art is a culmination of his life and his experiences during that period. What we’re engaging with is beyond a product. It’s a real journey. It goes deeper than the final production, made up of layers of moments that consist of pain, hardship, joy, milestones. I appreciated his vulnerability in sharing this, and the reminder that three years can feel like a long time when everyone else seems to be putting out work for the public, and you’re not. But behind the scenes, the components are being put together—whether in the studio or through experiences that eventually inform the foundation of the work. “This project was made with 100% no compromise.” Amen, Kojey. Amen.

Many of you reading this newsletter are creating important work. I don’t think you always realise how wonderful it is. I often say that artists have a unique ability to interpret life in beautiful ways—even the ugliest parts, which is something a lot of people simply cannot do. Hold on to that gift. We see you.The work that takes time will one day come to fruition, shaped by the good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly. Your art will communicate in ways that nothing else can. Don‘t play about the impact your art has! Take time to reflect on what you’re creating, and remember your why.

I thought about a conversation earlier this year with an artist who sought my guidance because they felt stuck in their practice. After a breakout year of commissions, it suddenly felt like nothing was happening—especially when other artists were announcing exhibitions and projects left, right and centre. I reminded them that much of the work being announced has often been in development for a long time. Those same artists had probably at some point also experienced anxious moments, wondering when their ‘time’ would come, or comparing their behind-the-scenes labour with other people’s highlights. I encouraged them to value what they had at that moment which was the time, space and freedom to finally develop a dream project—to work on something considered, that was theirs, a culmination of their interests and experiences. In order to give experiences, they first had to gain them–through research, slowness, studio time, mentorship, experimenting with new materials, and shaping the dialogue they wanted their work to have with audiences. Their time will come again, when the new work is ready to be launched. But for now, the process itself is essential.

I’ve been reflecting on what my work looks like, and I’m making changes to dedicate more time to my own projects. One of the reasons I paused The Anti Gallery, my pop-up arts organisation was time. The time that came after all those rejections redirections which were a blessing, and I would never have pursued what I did without gaining those experiences. And you know what, that very room at Rough Trade Nottingham where Kojey performed last night was where I launched The Anti Gallery in February 2016 🥹.

I won’t spam you with newsletters. I just wanted to send this extra one while the experience was still fresh. Thanks for reading.