MADE IN ENGLAND, Creative Series: TANAKA TAPIWA SABURI
Defining your craft and following your creative instincts takes determination, grit and an overarching sense of resilience. But creativity flows via many streams, each needing its own careful navigation on route to a desired destination. In partnership with Dr.Marten’s the "MADE IN ENGLAND: Creative Series" is a sequence of studio visits with British creatives, all of which embody an enduring commitment to building something visceral, tactile and made to last.
For the second in the series we visit Tanaka Tapiwa Saburi, a London based Art curator and Director of The Molasses Gallery /
TNO: Tanaka thanks for taking the time out for us to come visit your space, for those readers who are not familiar with you and your work can you give them a bit of an introduction?
TTS: Well, I’m an independent contemporary and fine art curator based in London. I primarily work with black, POC and queer, multidisciplinary artists. I specifically try to occupy advertising spaces and corporate offices with the works of these artists to fund their careers and thus aiding them to grow as artists.
Recently my cohort, Jaafer Al-Khafaji and I opened a physical space of our own called “The Molasses Gallery” at which I curate a thorough program of shows and events.
How did your journey into the creative fields begin?
I was sitting on my bed, in the middle of lockdown. I had just lost my job and George Floyd had just been killed. That’s when I realised, I wanted to open a Gallery. So, I took the necessary steps towards that goal.
You are from the midlands, but can you tell us about why & how you ended up in London?
In 2017, living in my hometown of Birmingham had got stagnant creatively, so, I applied for tailoring jobs in London. I was offered a job on Savile Row, and I decided to move. I moved here with no solid career plan at all. I just wanted to be immersed in the cities many cultural attractions.
Your practice is based in the capital, what do you think the city brings to your work?
The city is filled with free-thinkers with taste and talent from all around the world. Being in a cultural melting pot, I’m surrounded by aggressively original artists. You could almost say I’m spoilt for choice and I’m in the perfect place with the perfect audience.
Can you tell us more about your gallery’s vision or mandate?
When I think of what The Molasses Gallery of Contemporary Art could become, I envision It simply being a beautiful room where artists I love get to fully express themselves without feeling encumbered. A place where, as an artist, you are unburdened by the racially motivated constraints of today’s modern art world.
“being a child of post-colonial Britain means I seamlessly draw just as much visual influence from Fela Kuti as I do from The Clash”
What do you look for in an artist? Are there any artists you are currently working with that you are excited about?
People that apply pressure of traditional norms excite me. I like artists that don’t have the art worlds’ institutional co-sign. I tend to often be drawn to weirdo’s and rebels. the kind of cultural activists that have a sinuous delicacy in the use of their chosen medium. I could sound strange; I just love those that have a message but use an off-kilter way of presenting that same message.
I’m currently presenting the works of Khari Worrell. He’s a tenacious young abstract oil painter based in Northampton. I’m drawn to the fact that he exclusively paints limbic paintings that resemble the blood vessels of the brain to vocalise his own struggles with mental illness. I have always been drawn to the emotional intelligence of others. it’s always been something I’ve found astounding to witness, and I believe Khari’s work shows a lot of that.
How does being a British Creative sit with you? Would you say you draw a lot from that identity...?
I’m not sure if I can identify myself as a quintessentially British Creative. I believe the stigmas and isms attached to being British in this industry don’t often sit well with me. I do however believe a new generation of creatives are emerging. A renaissance of creatives that operate globally unhindered by geopolitics and cultural branding. I hope to be identified as one of those agitators one day.
Are there any key characteristics in your work that come from being British?
if there’s any characteristics that are thematically British, they come from being the product of a strict Afro-Brit household. For example, being a child of post-colonial Britain just means I seamlessly draw just as much visual influence from Fela Kuti as I would do from The Clash. That’s just the kind of melting pot living in England often churns out. Both rebellious and multicultural.
What does "Made in England” mean to you…
Although it has a long history of being traditionally elitist. Transversely, it is also known to protest that same elitism. That duality allows the “Made in England” moniker to maintain a nondescript pride in quality.
Self reliance and resilience are key to pushing yourself in the creative fields, what do you draw on most to keep pushing yourself in your work.
It must be that I get to help some very talented people get a chance to finally get paid, seen and acknowledged by new audiences. That by its very nature keeps me nourished and motivated.
Creating something that is made to last or endure is something many strive for in their work. How do you view that or approach it in your own practice?
All any of us can do with our efforts is whatever we can with whatever we can. For me, whether it’s getting artists paid or delving into storytelling through exhibitions, everything for me is about understanding that everything takes time. Although surviving freely in the art world is my goal, I know it can take time and meticulous planning over months to complete one task. that acceptance is the essential crux of my own practice. It can be tiresome, but it teaches you stay flexible in the face of the unexpected adversities, that’s how I keep the lights on.
Finally… what can we expect from you in the near future?
I hope to merely grow into my role as an independent curator and art dealer whilst providing present and future patrons of the molasses gallery an exciting programme of touching and visceral exhibitions.
Tanaka wears the “MADE IN ENGLAND” Vintage Adrian Tassel Loafers, available to purchase online at drmartens.com