Arcadia Missa has established itself as one of London’s most forward-thinking contemporary art galleries, evolving from its humble beginnings as a project space in Peckham to its current position as an influential commercial gallery in London’s West End[1].
Origins and Evolution
Founded by Rózsa Farkas in 2011, Arcadia Missa emerged during a pivotal moment in London’s cultural landscape. The gallery’s inception coincided with the UK’s implementation of austerity measures that dramatically reduced public arts funding, inspiring Farkas to create an alternative platform for emerging artists[1].
Initially operating as a project space in Peckham, South London, Arcadia Missa provided a forum for urgent conversations about gentrification, wealth disparity, power structures, and feminism. The space became known for hosting critical discussions and exhibitions that addressed pressing social issues[1].
Commercial Transition
In late 2014, Arcadia Missa transformed into a commercial gallery, responding to the growing success of its artists and their need for professional representation[2]. This transition maintained the gallery’s core mission while adapting to the market realities of the contemporary art world.
Programming and Focus
The gallery has maintained a consistent focus on:
- Emerging artists working in various media including video, installation, performance, sculpture, photography, and painting[2]
- Identity politics under networked capitalism
- Publishing initiatives, including the journal “How to Sleep Faster” and artist books[2]
- Supporting artists of color, queer artists, and those without formal training[1]
Current Location and Operations
Today, Arcadia Missa operates from:
- Address: 35 Duke St, London W1U 1LH, UK
- Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 12 pm – 6 pm[2]
Recent Exhibitions
Among the gallery’s notable recent exhibitions is Coumba Samba’s “Red Gas” (2024), which explores global power dynamics through painted radiator units. The exhibition investigates the connections between Russia and the rest of the world, particularly focusing on gas as a traded commodity and its geopolitical implications[3][4].
Artist Representation
The gallery represents a diverse roster of contemporary artists, including:
- Hannah Black
- Phoebe Collings-James
- Jesse Darling
- Hamishi Farah
- Penny Goring
- Lewis Hammond
- Hannah Quinlan & Rosie Hastings[2]
Impact on Contemporary Art
Arcadia Missa has played a crucial role in:
- Providing a platform for marginalized voices in contemporary art
- Facilitating institutional critique through artists’ practices[1]
- Contributing to critical discourse through its publishing program
- Supporting emerging artists’ transition into the commercial art market
Recognition and Growth
The gallery’s influence continues to grow, as evidenced by its participation in major art fairs and its inclusion in significant international art events. Its presence in events like miart 2024 demonstrates its standing in the global contemporary art community[5].
Through its evolution from a project space to a commercial gallery, Arcadia Missa has maintained its commitment to fostering critical dialogue while adapting to the changing landscape of contemporary art. Its success lies in balancing commercial viability with its founding principles of providing a platform for underrepresented voices and addressing crucial sociopolitical issues through art.
Citations: [1] https://www.culturedmag.com/article/2019/01/14/arcadia-missa-rozsa-farkas [2] https://myartguides.com/artspaces/galleries/london/arcadia-missa/ [3] https://www.emergentmag.com/exhibitions/coumba-samba-at-arcadia-missa [4] https://www.frieze.com/article/coumba-samba-red-gas-2024-review [5] https://www.e-flux.com/announcements/576001/participating-galleries-2024/ [6] https://www.timeout.com/london/news/10-london-art-exhibitions-we-cant-wait-to-see-in-september-2024-082724 [7] https://www.frieze.com/article/focus-arcadia-missa [8] https://arcadiamissa.com [9] https://www.frieze.com/article/east-end-day-and-west-end-night-2024 [10] https://fadmagazine.com/2024/10/01/phoebe-collings-james-talks-to-phillip-edward-spradley/