Guts Gallery: Disrupting Gallery Culture
Guts Gallery is disrupting and dismantling the typical gallery structure by empowering artists from underrepresented backgrounds with accessibility, space, support, and resources to champion the next generation of both artists and collectors. The name comes from a myriad of poignant meanings: the guts to do something, a gut feeling, and Grafting Under Tory State. Known for championing its artists rather than representing them, the term eloquently sums up what the gallery is all about.
Elsa Rouy, installation view from I Could Always Crack a Joke, 5-26 May 2022. Photo courtesy of Guts Gallery and photographed by Rob Harris.
Guts Gallery was conceived in 2019 when founder and CEO Ellie Pennick was unable to accept a position in a prestigious master’s program due to her financial status. Frustrated with the art world and general political climate, Pennick asked her landlord to use a nearby function room as an exhibition space for underrepresented artists who deserved a place in the art world. Once she was able to move out from her single room above a pub, Pennick moved in with friends and expanded the project space into a gallery space. Intent on challenging existing power dynamics, Guts is determined to continuously be a force of change within the traditional art system that has largely excluded female, Queer, black, POC, and working-class artists through the deactivation of various socio-political barriers.
Ellie Pennick, Guts Gallery CEO & Founder, photo courtesy of Dazed 100, photographed by Mark Hibbert.
With transparency and equality at the centre of everything Guts does, it is unsurprising that the gallery rattles industry competitors.
“I’ve heard through the grapevine that we ruffle feathers. If equality and transparency mean that, then I will take it. I have supportive relationships with other galleries such as Sid Motion, Public Gallery, The Sunday Painter and Sadie Coles. There are some galleries I have no time for due to their treatment of artists.”
It’s disappointing, yet not unexpected, that it has taken so long for a gallery of this kind to exist, one that lets the artist’s powerful and clear voices be heard directly, as traditionally, artists’ narratives have been filtered through an aristocratic lens shaped by prejudice, discrimination, greed, power, and fear. Presently, Guts champions seven artists while supporting and exhibiting dozens of others throughout the gallery’s programming: Sophie Vallance Cantor, Shadi Al-Atallah, Douglas Cantor, Emanuel de Carvalho, Kemi Onabule, Elsa Rouy, and Olivia Sterling. Additional exhibited artists include Amanda Ba, Victoria Cantons, Nadine Faraj, Jack Jubb, and Miranda Forrester, to name a few.
All images are courtesy of Guts Gallery and the Artist.
To ensure the historic pattern of oppression was not repeated in the gallery setting, the Guts Gallery Code of Conduct was collaboratively established between artists and staff. The code was born from a natural, ongoing, non-pressured dialogue between all parties involved and outlines the basic foundation for the gallery’s mission and daily operations. Basic underpinnings such as a zero-tolerance policy for racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, classism, ableism, and ageism protect the artists, staff, and visitors both online and offline. The code shows Guts’ commitment to challenging the rampant inequalities within the industry while ensuring all parties feel supported, safe, and compensated above the 50% industry standard or paid above minimum wage. The points listed are obvious and should be upheld in any place of work, of which the art industry is no exception.
“I believe Guts has created a culture, which has been my overall aim. Everyone is equal at the gallery, no matter their job role, artistic practice, or background. Everyone who contributes to Guts keeps it going, and I’m very thankful for everyone’s hard work.”
Code of Conduct per Guts Gallery website, 2022.
As of 2022, Guts has shifted from a pop-up-style exhibition space to a permanent location in Hackney. The decision to inaugurate a headquarters came from the increase in rental prices post-pandemic. The commitment to a leased space was agreed upon by artists and staff as the next logical step. While an intimidating jump, the artists needed storage and a fixed, secure base. In the three years it has been in operation, Guts has grown rapidly with no plans to slow down. The gallery intends to add more artists to continue disrupting the status quo through its programming.
Guts Gallery, installation view from And this skin of mine, to live again a second time, 2-23 June 2022. Photo courtesy of Guts Gallery and photographed by Eva Herzog.
Guts Gallery, installation view from And this skin of mine, to live again a second time, 2-23 June 2022. Photo courtesy of Guts Gallery and photographed by Eva Herzog.
For more information on Guts Gallery, visit their website, follow them on Instagram, and join their mailing list for the latest updates.
Reese Vandeven
Agents of Change Co-Editor, MADE IN BED