Art Convo with Storm Ascher: Superposition Gallery, A Futurist and Nimble Art Model
Storm Ascher. Courtesy of Superposition.
An enlightening conversation with Storm Ascher (she/her), founder of Superposition Gallery (an LA-based but still nomadic art space). The founder and cultural producer, speaks on Superposition’s agility within the art ecosystem and shares some of her Black art world predictions for the near future.
How are you feeling at this moment?
At this moment I’m feeling poised for the future and being steadfast with my mission to not be put in a box careerwise. After graduating with my Masters at Sotheby’s CGU I had to really take some time to strategize my goals. I have a lot of upcoming projects that require more research and planning, so patience and grateful affirmations have been important for me.
What are some self-care rituals that keep you whole?
I’ve started writing again, it’s cathartic even though deadlines approach, because it’s a huge part of my art practice and also has created a nice narrative to look back on as I meet more and more like minded people or have my mind changed by others. Also meeting up with friends in the industry and not just talking about work has been helping me, really just taking time to create memories that don’t only involve producing.
“I have a lot of upcoming projects that require more research and planning, so patience and grateful affirmations have been important for me.”
Eilen Itzel Mena, Storm Ascher, and Haleigh Nickerson. Courtesy of Superposition.
Superposition has been nomadic and nimble from its inception in 2018. What worked and how did Superposition navigate 2020?
I’m going to start using nimble! I like that word. Superposition was always prepared for a time like this, I didn’t expect it to be because of a widespread tragedy, but I always felt galleries would move in this direction. If not by necessity, by a longing to innovate and explore new ways of presenting ideas and keeping multiple communities engaged across zip codes. “Everywhere and nowhere”, finally made sense to a lot more people and it showed in 2020. I’m working remotely all the time, I personally don’t even have a permanent address anymore. My gallery is my brain, my hands, my friends, and the clients that believe in their contribution to history. None of that had to disappear which is a blessing.
“My gallery is my brain, my hands, my friends, and the clients that believe in their contribution to history.“
Courtesy of Superposition.
What are some art world predictions for 2021 and the near future? Specifically with Black artists and Black gallerists?
Well I’m hopeful that we will see more museums and institutions embracing the new ways the primary market is evolving. I want to see my peers have more representation not just in the blue chip pipeline. Black gallerists often see their artists move on, and I think many of us are understanding that if we hold up our end and keep remembering this is about creating new historical narratives, we will have more longevity and institutional recognition as well. I also think we will see many more retrospectives for Black artists.
What's next in 2021?
Superposition is hosting a solo show for Dodi King in New York in June. I’m also collaborating with a good friend and art advisor Anwarii Musa of ARTMATIC for some traveling shows, and placing works in collections that make a difference. Those projects will be taking place in October 2021 and February 2022.
Courtesy of Superposition.
Courtesy of Superposition.
