ProjectoMap: You have lived in many countries, how were the studios in which you have worked? What interests you in a studio? What characteristics are you looking for?
RitaGT: The basis of my work in extremely performative, I consider the process of my work just as important as the end result. As such, my studios have been mainly my mind, a note book, a computer and the constant need to step out of my comfort zone! I always see the advantage in changing country and studio, because this changes, shapes and characterized my artistic practice. I’m currently enrolled in a residency in Viana do Castelo, Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão, where I have the privilege of having access to two fantastic studios; a room overlooking the ocean and a professional ceramics studio.
ProjectoMap: Do you believe that the studio – its dimensions and specificity – reflect in your artwork? Is there a specific space that has had a strong impact on you?
RitaGT: Yes, without a doubt. The fact that for many years I lacked a physical space that made me create exhibitions where the gallery itself becomes the studio during the time of the exhibition. I have always been involved in collective projects which allowed me to always share both studio and ideas with others. My last studio was the e-studio in Luanda.
ProjectoMap: How was the work process in E-studio Luanda? Was it a studio where you shared physical space with other artists, or more of a conceptually shared space?
RitaGT: E-studio was both a physical and conceptual space, shared and developed in collaboration, where my role was also to coordinate.This project initially came to life due to the urge of having a physical work space. I remember when I arrived in Angola I started developing ideas for a mobile studio: a truck transformed into a studio that could go around the providences, where I could develop a community project. This e-studio project evolved into the present e-studio Luanda.
ProjectMap: The actual studio became the artwork?
RitaGT: Exactly! A complex and complete idea of the mobile studio, that can transport itself everywhere, that contains art work and tools inside has been worked on for the past years when I didn’t have an actual physical studio, this project came to life in Luanda, where it is harder to build a studio due to lack of supplies and the high rent price.
ProjectoMap: Presently you work with ceramics at the University (..) how is this new space?
RitaGT: After I decided to give my work a new direction, I had a proposal to be a resident artist in Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão in Viana do Castelo, the city where I has born. I couldn’t be indifferent to the professional ceramics studio that this school has, their amazing conditions, with very efficient technicians. It’s a return to the basics in all levels! I’m working with many matters, very experimental work which is both organic and performative.
ProjectoMap: and now? What are your future projects?
RitaGT: I have many on going projects and although I’ve been working very intensely in the studio, I am still interested in organizing curatorship and production projects, as these practices are intrinsically part of my work.
Thank you Rita,
ProjectoMap
-
Interview by Alda Galsterer and Verónica de Mello, Collective of Curators
Photography Credits: RitaGT
Edition: Joana Portela
Translation: Maria Taborda
- Date: 14-11-2016
- Local: Viana do Castelo
