Dave Kulesza
Within a space embracing pastel pink tones and a refreshingly unpretentious ethos, Melbourne-based architectural and fine art photographer Dave Kulesza opens Gallery. by Dave Kulesza—inviting a quiet, open dialogue between art and audience.
Photos DAVE KULESZA
Melbourne-based architectural and fine art photographer, Dave Kulesza in his new gallery space, Gallery. By Dave Kulesza.
Artwork from left: UTOPÍA 22, UTOPÍA 7 & UTOPÍA 2 by Dave Kulesza.
Hello Dave—can you introduce yourself?
I’m a Melbourne-based architectural and fine art photographer. I’ve been working commercially in my photography practice for 12 years and I’ve been working on personal fine art series over last six years.
What led you to open your own gallery space, and why now?
I find myself constantly developing, learning and evolving as time goes by, particularly with my fine art prints. Over the five years, I’ve come to believe that there’s no better time than the present to execute ideas when the opportunity presents itself. Opening a gallery has always been a concept that’s been in the back of my mind, which I’d wanted to explore—I’ve reached a stage where I believe enough in myself and my work to take the next step—this particular building became available and ticked all the boxes.
The Melbourne art scene is constantly evolving—where do you see your gallery sitting within that landscape?
As it’s the first time I’ve put together a gallery, the initial 12 months is really just about exploring ideas, working with artists that I find interesting and gradually growing the identity of the gallery. It’s a project that will take years to develop and I’m sure adjustments will be made along the way in its growth. I don’t have any expectations that need to be met in the initial year, it’s an open-minded concept at this stage as I know that with hard work things do tend to unravel in the right direction.
Do you approach curating other artists' work differently from how you view your own practice behind the camera?
Curating the artist’s work in the gallery certainly has a small level of influence with my compositional understanding behind the camera, however I don’t want it to influence the curation process in the gallery. The gallery does have a certain aesthetic, but exploring other artists approach to creativity is important in drawing diversity in amongst the space.
Were there any pivotal moments—or people—along your creative journey that shaped your perspective or gave you the confidence to take this leap?
There have been lots of people along the way, which have helped me learn and grow collectively. The most significant moment was essentially at the very beginning when I exhibited my first series DPRK: North Korea In Colour, back in 2019.
Having shot the series in August and looking to exhibit before the year concluded, I was forced to find my own space and self curate the show, as all the galleries I approached were booked out 6-12 months in advance. This meant researching and finding suppliers for all aspects of the exhibition process. Venue, marketing, printing, framing, self publishing a book etc, all in a very short window, as I knew If I didn’t put together the show I would have to wait until February/March 2020 when everybody started to return back into the new year.
Without knowing what was to unwind in 2020, the pivotal moment was realising the value of ‘now’ and not waiting, fortunately having put that first show together at the time I did, has paved a path to where I am now.
‘Every piece of art has a creator behind it. It’s my opportunity to tell the story of the artist to the viewer that comes through the door, helping them understand a little more about the pieces that they are drawn to,’ says Dave Kulesza.
Artwork: AURORA BLOCK by Boris Bombay.
“Opening a gallery has always been a concept which has been in the back of my mind that I had wanted to explore—I’ve reached a stage where I believe enough in myself and my work to take the next step.”
‘I’m hoping people are able to walk into the gallery without the fear or intimidation that galleries can stereotypically possess.’
AURORA BLOCK by Boris Bombay.
Current artists exhibiting in the gallery include Ben Thomas, Boris Bombay, Chris Ladrooy and Dave Kulesza.
How has your background in photography informed your eye as a gallery owner?
My background in photography has allowed me to develop a personal aesthetic and implement it into my own fine artwork. As the years have progressed I began to understand my audience, as well as, continue to gain confidence in producing bodies of work that drive me creatively. When entering a world of running a gallery, I’m hoping to take what I know from my personal work and use a similar formula with other artists. Identifying great compositions and unique work is a part of it, however, there is a lot to learn and observe from others on this new journey.
Do you see the gallery as a platform for emerging artists, more established voices—or a conversation between the two?
I envision the gallery to be a combination of the two—I’m excited to work with both established artists who have a history of experience in their respective mediums and audiences, working with them to expose new audiences which they may otherwise not had access to. Equally so, I think it would be very humbling to give back and work with emerging artists that I see potential for, and help guide them with the knowledge that I’ve gained myself over the years.
What do you want people to feel when they walk through the gallery doors for the first time?
I’m hoping people are able to walk into the gallery without the fear or intimidation that galleries can stereotypically possess. The moment somebody walks in, I hope they’re able to lock their eyes onto hanging pieces and want to continue exploring the space, leaving a memorable impression on the viewer and wanting to return back for multiple visits to view new pieces as the gallery continuously evolves.
What kind of dialogue do you hope to create between the work and the viewer inside the space?
Every piece of art has a creator behind it. It’s my opportunity to tell the story of the artist to the viewer that comes through the door, helping them understand a little more about the pieces they’re drawn to.
What does success look like for you in this new chapter—as an artist, a curator, and a creative leader?
There are a few categories of success I can think of in this new chapter—the first being a gallery that’s able to successfully sustain itself financially. The challenge of curating and sourcing the work of artists that resonates, and is appreciated by those who walk through the door. Secondly, success in having the privilege to work with other artists, gaining their trust and support in being associated with the gallery and the direction it’s heading in. It’s an incredible feeling to be accepted by an artist to represent their work. Finally, success in giving back to emerging artists with knowledge and guidance, and hopefully having an impact in their future success and journey.
What’s next for the gallery, and for you personally?
Personally, I have ideas for future series, which I’d love to put together and explore, having the gallery available creates a unique opportunity to put together a new body of work without having to find venues to show in. This being a tedious and difficult aspect of the process. Within the gallery, I’m looking to include more artists in the space to bring further life and interest to the space and ultimately work with the artists on solo and group shows.
To stay up to date with Gallery. By Dave Kulesza visit the website or follow @gallery.bydavekulesza on Instagram.
