Meet: ST.ART Gallery

ST.ART Gallery was launched by Charlie Pannell in 2021, in response to the complicated and often confusing art scene in London. The gallery is about to launch its second Micro-Art Fair, where all artwork is priced under £600. The goal is to make the art market more approachable for both emerging artists and new collectors.

Charlie graduated from BA Fine Art at Central Saint Martins in 2022, having also done a Foundation Art & Design course in 2018.

Curator Aida Palma Corredera got involved in the latest Micro-Art Fair after meeting Charlie through a mutual friend. Aida is also a University of Arts graduate, having completed her MA in Curating and Collections at Chelsea College of Arts in 2021.

With a new permanent address in Oxford Circus, ST.ART Gallery has a lot going on. Charlie and Aida spoke to us about launching a gallery and tips for anyone wanting to get into art collecting.

You’ve both studied at UAL; Charlie you completed both a Foundation year, and your BA in Fine Art at Central Saint Martins, and Aida you did your Masters in Curating and Collections at Chelsea. Can you tell us about your experiences?

Aida Palma Corredera: My time in the master’s program was challenging! I started just as Covid was making a comeback, which meant everything was fully online for most of the year. We had a brief window from September to late October when we could use the Chelsea facilities, but then they had to close again. Going fully remote wasn’t easy, but the support from the faculty and my fellow students made it all work somehow. Shoutout to Hana Noorali, Gaia, Lynton Talbot, and especially our program director, David Dibosa - they went above and beyond to keep us connected, engaged and well-equipped, even from a distance. I couldn’t have done it without them!

Charlie Pannell: I often tell young artists who are considering applying to CSM that in my experience it was entirely worth it for the facilities alone. I spent most of my degree in the metal and wood workshops building a slew of furniture that offered comically different degrees of practicality. I was lucky enough to complete my DPS (Diploma in Placement Studies) placement year during covid; when unfortunately, many in my Fine Art cohort didn’t have access to the workshops during their final year. I still often visit open studios, and degree shows at UAL to scout new artists. I think the students consistently reinforce the notion that this University is one of the most exciting places for fostering young talent. I’d love to give a shout out to my tutors, Toby and Anthony who really helped me to develop my practice and confidence as a creative.

What was a highlight of your time at UAL?

APC: I’d say the highlight was the people — the mix of perspectives, ideas, and practices. It was inspiring to be in a creative environment where conversations were always sparking new ideas, whether we agreed or not. Being surrounded by that kind of energy really pushed me to think differently and grow.

CP: Honestly, as much as I enjoyed my BA experience, I think that the Diagnostic Pathway

during my Foundation Degree at Archway was a significant highlight. As someone whose brain sits somewhere in between artist and designer I loved the ability to explore different creative practices through specific project briefs.

How did the two of you meet?

APC: We first crossed paths at one of ST.ART Gallery’s exhibitions—the very first one in their new Oxford Circus location. ST.ART was hosting mutual friend Kathy Murillo’s inaugural solo show; I’d first met Kathy while she was finishing her year at CSM. Funny how small the world is! I was there to check out Kathy’s work, and I was already eager to jump in and support what Charlie was building with the gallery. It’s inspiring work, and I couldn’t wait to get involved!

Can you tell us more about ST.ART Gallery; how did it all begin?

CP: ST.ART Gallery was established in 2021. It aims to provide essential visibility for exceptional emerging international artists and demystify the London art scene by connecting people through contemporary art. Following a series of successful pop-up exhibitions, ST.ART is now making a significant leap into a permanent space. Recognising the deep-rooted elitism in the art world, ST.ART emphasises active engagement and inclusivity by encouraging visitors to engage in meaningful dialogue and inquiry, fostering a deeper, more intimate, and more personal connection with art.

You’re about to launch your second Micro-Art Fair; can you tell us more about this?

CP: We’re here to make the art market more approachable for both emerging artists and new collectors. With art fair prices often soaring over £10,000, we’re setting a £600 price cap on a selection of works, including prints and smaller pieces from our artists. The goal? To make it easier for new collectors to start their journey while still ensuring artists are fairly rewarded for their work.

Why do you think it’s important to make art accessible for new collectors?

CP: Making art accessible for new collectors is crucial for broadening the art world and promoting cultural inclusivity. It helps democratise art, allowing more people to engage with and appreciate it, rather than reserving it for the wealthy or elite. New collectors also play a key role in supporting emerging artists and keeping the art market dynamic. By fostering greater interest and education in art, accessibility encourages personal growth, cultural engagement, and a more diverse art community, benefiting both collectors and creators alike.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to become an art collector?

CP: We aim to dismantle the elitism often associated with buying art and make it more accessible for everyone. Our goal is to bridge the gap between artists and collectors, creating a welcoming space for all. With that in mind, we suggest thinking of art collecting as finding pieces that resonate with you on a personal level. Forget about trends or status—look for art that speaks to your story, your memories, or even where you see yourself going. Build a collection that feels like a reflection of who you are, where you've been, or what inspires you for the future. The best collections come from genuine connections with the work and the artists behind it.

ST.ART Gallery’s Micro-Art Fair is on from  Thursday 28 November 2024 to Sunday 1 December 2024. Book tickets on eventbrite.

ST.ART Gallery
36 Eastcastle Street
London
W1W 8DP

Connect:

• Website: startgallery.co.uk
• Instagram: st.art__gallery
• Aida’s Instagram: aida_butterfly1