Voices: Kurt Beers, Beers London
Kurt Beers
Kurt Beers is the owner and Director of Beers London, located in London, UK.
Installation shot of Jan Sebastian Koch’s solo show If Mountains Could Sing (May 2020) Courtesy of Beers London.
What are some common themes in your program?
Our works tend to be very colourful, a lot of our artists talk about individual journeys or pursuits. We are interested in how fantasy and reality interplay. We are really interested in painting, and our programme maintains a large percentage of Canadian artists.
What is it about artists that you respect and honor the most?
Their devotion to their craft, and their integrity to pull through hard times no matter what!
What is a piece of advice you give to artists?
Don't overthink! Create, and believe in yourself and what you have to offer.
Installation shot of Peter Matthews’ solo The End is Where They Start From (Jan-Feb 2019) Courtesy of Beers London.
Tell us about why you decided to open a gallery.
Like most galleries, we saw a gap in the market and believed we could present something different, and better. We also vehemently rebuke the attitude that comes with so many spaces. You can succeed with a smile!
How have you grown as a dealer over the years?
I have learned a lot about myself, my aesthetic, and as a result, my gallery has benefitted greatly. Writing 2 books has certainly helped as well, publishing the 100 Painters and 100 Sculptors books was cathartic.
What does the art world need more? Less of?
The art world needs more people to work together as opposed to working against each other for no reason. The biggest successes we've had as a gallery in the last 8 years has always been through cooperation and collaboration with others.
Installation shot of Robert Fry’s solo exhibition Lost Men (Sep-Oct 2019) Courtesy of Beers London.
What is your favourite thing about your gallery space?
The art and the location! Oh, and of course our polished concrete floors that I take great pride in! Haha
Tell us about one artwork you love living with and why.
I have a large work on paper by Turkish artist Evren Sungur that dominates my living room wall and I absolutely love it. He was featured in my 100 Painters of Tomorrow book back in 2014 and I feel really lucky to own this beautiful piece by such a talented and nice guy.
Tell us about an artwork you recently acquired and why.
I purchased a small abstract multi-coloured piece by artist Max Freund this month that I love!
Name a gallery that you admire and why.
Kornfeld Gallery in Berlin is a gallery I really admire and the Director (Fred Kornfeld) has become a trusted colleague and friend.
Name a big overall lesson you've learned in running a gallery.
I have learned to never take anyone or anything for granted. Appreciate your patrons, respect the artists and always make room for everyone who is interested in our programme. Our gallery exists for the 13 year old art student as much as it is for the biggest collector in London.
Installation shot of Florence & Mick Hutchings A Kindred Spirit (Feb-March 2020) Courtesy of Beers London.