Diving into the Unknown: ‘MORE THAN NOW’ Exhibition Curated by Lisa Boudet at Moosey Gallery

by Oisin Tammas
Share this

Hi Lisa, so great to chat again! 

Tell me how did you find your way into the art world?
Lisa: 
Growing up in Paris, I was lucky enough to have been surrounded by museums and galleries which really sparked my passion for art from a young age. During my time at Christie’s, I vividly recall experiencing the auction of the Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé Collection, a monumental event not only in terms of sales figures but also for its profound cultural resonance. Later, being one of the few people to see in real life the massive Yves Klein’s painting ‘FC1’ (Fire Color 1)’ before it got sold to a private collection was pretty special. These experiences definitely got me hooked on the art world!

Where were some of the highs and lows along the way that helped you craft your approach to art and culture?

Lisa: I think the art world is intimidating and you have to put yourself out there if you want to be part of it which is scary. On the other hand, it’s such an amazing industry with many incredible people that will always surprise me in one way or another, which I love! Moving to New York really opened my eyes to the pulse of the art scene. The city is full of talented artists! Having the opportunity to meet and become friends with some of them artists like Sarah LeeJin JeongRyan Wilde, has been so inspiring. Building trust with the community and getting to chat with influential people like Mathieu Van Damme founder of Case StudyoJavier CallejaJordy Kerwick and most recently Aaron Johnson has been incredible. These are definitely part of the highs in this journey! 

You use your YouTube Channel to uncover the most compelling untold stories in the art world. Can you take us through a moment or two that you felt really exemplify that ethos?

Lisa: There’s nothing I love more than uncovering the hidden stories in the art world! Going to so many openings, meeting artists and people in the industry, always talking allows you to learn something that is usually more valuable than any press release. 

This made me realize that these stories had to be shared. One memorable moment was during my interview with artist Javier Calleja, prior to it a common story and misconception across many articles painted him as being the assistant of Yoshitomo Nara. However, during our conversation, Calleja set the record straight that this was not true at all. This was just one of the things he revealed about the real story of his life as an artist.

These types of moments are what my YouTube channel is all about. It’s more than just interviews, it’s about peeling back the layers and revealing the hidden narratives that make the art world tick. I want viewers to walk away with a deeper understanding of the artists, their journey and the struggles they went through to get where they are now.

How did you get into curation and when did your path cross with Moosey gallery?

Lisa: Back in 2020, I had the opportunity to meet Frazer, Moosey‘s owner, during a visit to the Moosey office and print studio Well Nice, in Norwich. Frazer shared with me their story and had asked me if I had ever thought about doing an exhibition.

Following this conversation, I interviewed Frazer for my Youtube Channel, coinciding with Moosey’s first gallery exhibition in London at Hoxton Arches. 

It was not long after that Frazer took a chance on me and encouraged me to present my first group exhibition which was titled ‘LUCKY CHARM’ which showcased 30 rising artists, some of which were exhibiting for the first time. Through this exhibition, artists such as Yoora LeeZoe McGuireGenevieve CohnJack JubbEva BeresinKristen Sanders, and many others were able to showcase their work to a broader audience. Witnessing the impact of the exhibition and the subsequent opportunities it generated for these artists was incredibly fulfilling and left me wanting to do more and keep pushing boundaries.

Meeting the Moosey team was the starting point for this incredible journey of curating. It’s become a way for me to share my passion for art and turn it into something meaningful, a way to celebrate creativity and all the amazing talent out there.

You’ve recently presented ‘MORE THAN NOW’, a group show which allows artists to explore the theme of “psychological safety”. Can you explain the theme, why did you feel this was important today?

Lisa: The concept of “psychological safety” promotes a culture where people feel rewarded for taking risks and experimenting without the fear of repercussions. This exhibition questions both sides of it. While authenticity empowers, do we open ourselves to vulnerability and take chances, to see who truly has our best interests at heart fostering genuine relationships.

What’s behind the title: ‘MORE THAN NOW’?

Lisa:The title “MORE THAN NOW” encapsulates a profound concept centered around the notion of seeking more from life beyond the present moment. It embodies the idea of embracing the boundless opportunities that exist within our lives, encouraging individuals to strive for greater fulfillment and growth. Essentially, it serves as a reminder of the infinite potential we possess and urges us to take bold steps forward, even when faced with uncertainty or fear. 

Can you talk us through how you selected the artists? Any examples of how their work fits into the overarching theme?

Lisa: Always linking back to the metaphor for taking that leap of faith and pushing creative boundaries symbolized by the installation of parachutes representing an adventurous domain for artistic expression and experimentation.

Each artist brings their own unique experience and perspective, from talking with each artist it’s always interesting to go deeper. Meghann Stephenson‘s work, for example, offers a poignant exploration of the female experience through still lifes, which serve as allegories for authenticity and vulnerability. She told me, “I often use still lifes as allegories for the female experience, as historically still lifes were deemed one of the few ‘appropriate’ subject matters for women to paint.”

“By all Means” by Meghann Stephenson

Pieter Ceizer‘s artistic journey speaks to the notion of creativity as a refuge in the chaos of the world. He shares, “In the chaos of the world and daily life, creativity and creation are my safety havens.” I saw that in his work and encouraged him to take even more risks with his abstract pieces. It’s all about embracing the unknown, which is a huge part of the exhibition’s theme.

And then there’s Bradley Ward. His focus on black joy and resilience adds another layer. He talks about how celebrating black joy is a radical act, a way to challenge the status quo. His art explores that beautifully, and it connects perfectly with the idea of vulnerability and celebrating different perspectives.

Transitory Moment: Ian Wright” by Bradley Ward

Overall, the artists in the exhibition aren’t afraid to be vulnerable and push the boundaries. I think it gives everyone the opportunity to be inspired to break free of fear or judgment.

There’s an installation aspect to this show, right? Parachutes? How was opening night? What went down?

Lisa:  The whole exhibition was about leaping into the unknown, embracing that “MORE THAN NOW” feeling. If we want more than what we have now, we need to break free of our mind, societal constraints and into limitless possibilities.

For me, creating an immersive gallery space is crucial to engaging a broader audience and sparking immediate questioning and reflection. That’s why I consider it essential in my curatorial projects. So for this show we covered the ceiling with skydiving parachutes, instantly prompting thoughts of risk-taking, just like a giant “go for it!” hanging in the air.

The opening night embodied that theme perfectly! There was a huge turn out, everyone was buzzing with excitement, lots of artists made the trip across the globe to be present which was so special. Another thing important to me is to build bridges across creatives, for this show we had Jossle, a musician with an amazing blend of folk, indie, and pop, who played a live acoustic set. We also had Simao Nogueira, an exciting young photographer with a unique eye reminiscent of the late 2000s Cobra Snake era. His candid shots authentically captured the energy of the opening night.

How do you hope visitors approach the work, and what feeling do you hope they leave with?

Lisa: I hope visitors approach the work in the show with openness, ready to create a new narrative of their own around the themes of bold candor, authentic vulnerability and the consequences that comes with it.

My goal is for them to leave feeling empowered to take risks, be their authentic self and critically examine their environments. Ultimately, my goal is for visitors to leave the show with fresh perspectives, questioning themselves and reflecting deeply.

Why work with Moosey Art again? What stands out to you about the gallery and its team?

Lisa: It was a no-brainer to work with Moosey again. I value the freedom they provide in curating; they understand my vision and are enthusiastic about pushing boundaries and shaking things up.

One of the standout aspects of Moosey and its team is their commitment to pushing the emerging art scene forward. They provide a platform for artists who are showcasing their work for the first time, effectively putting them in the spotlight and giving them the opportunity for more significant exposure. Moosey acts as a shop window for these talented artists, paving the way for important moves in their careers. This dedication to supporting emerging talent aligns perfectly with my own values and aspirations as a curator.

What’s next for you, Lisa?

Lisa: I am working on an exciting new curation with WOAW Gallery in Hong Kong. This upcoming exhibition is named “Main Character” and it deconstructs the duality between cinematic heroism and the contemporary desire to author our personal life story. I am very excited about this project and partnering with Kevin Poon and his team which are leading the way in Hong Kong and Asia. So stay tuned!

Related Articles