Marisa Bellani of London's Roman Road Project Space speaks to ArtworldNow

By Martin Macdonald

David Welch’s Material World, exhibition view.
21 March – 18 May 2013
Roman Road Project Space, London
Photo Nicola Tree

On getting started in the art business and joys of the profession…

It’s challenging. It’s a lot fun and it’s very social. What I do with the artists is work in collaboration with them. I met David Welch a year ago at Parallax Art Fair in Chelsea. I loved his work and bought the 14 photographs from the Material World series in the small edition. They are part of the portfolio we released on the occasion of his first show with Roman Road. I discuss the work with the artist, about how to present it and in the case of photographs, we need to choose the size of the print, the type of frame size.

David Welch, Shopping Totem, 2010
Archival gyclee print on cotton paper
104.8 x 84.7 cm (41.3 x 33.4 in)
Edition of 5 + 1 AP
Photo Nicola Tree

How to choose an artist to represent?

It takes time. It’s like love at first sight. It takes 6 months, 8 months to just go on the website again, go to the studio again and again, talk with the artist, research about the topic he deals with and see how it can stand on a bigger picture. Do I still like it?

Before doing the show, it took me about a year with David to discuss what we wanted to do and almost the same amount of time with Mark McCullough, who will be the second artist to have a show at RRPS. 

David Welch, Laundry Totem, 2011
Archival gyclee print on cotton paper
104.8 x 84.7 cm (41.3 x 33.4 in)
Edition of 5 + 1 AP
Photo Nicola Tree

Trends in photography over the past three to five years:

I’ve noticed that for the past 40 years the interest in photography increased – with ups and downs. I wouldn’t say that now there is a photo-craze more than before. I am just saying that now, maybe slowly, people are just realising that photography and art – it’s not something different – that there is a border that has been created and we can easily learn today that even a documentary photographer is an artist as long as he brings a project, an idea, a concept behind... then it is just art, it’s not photography or art. My aim is to work – like many other people - on erasing that fine line.

On building a gallery programme:

The first show ends in May. The next show - Mark McCullough – is from June ‘til July. The following one is in September and then there’s one in November!

David Welch, Toy Totem, 2011
Archival gyclee print on cotton paper
104.8 x 84.7 cm (41.3 x 33.4 in)
Edition of 5 + 1 AP
Photo Nicola Tree

On keeping prices reasonable in order to sustain demand:

I try to price things fairly. With every artist, I try to provide the best production - so the best frame, the best glass. It is more about recognising the value of the artist.

How do you balance being commercial and innovative?

It’s tricky as I am doing a project space so I work on projects with artists. But although Roman Road is not sales-driven right now, as I want to focus on showing good art to build a reputation, it is a commercial project space and the works are for sale.

David Welch, Beer Can Totem, 2011
Archival gyclee print on cotton paper
104.8 x 84.7 cm (41.3 x 33.4 in)
Edition of 5 + 1 AP
Photo Nicola Tree

What makes Roman Road Project Space different?

I’ve always had this in mind: Even though this space is clearly a little white cube, I do not want it to be cold and unapproachable. I want it to be a centre for exchange, a part of the community. Artists can come here to chat too. I want it to be a social thing and I want to interact with the community, to organise talks and art-related events. I also aim to be international in as much as it is community-based. I want people from all over London to know that they can come see the gallery but can also stay for a chat and hang out.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It’s all about quality. I want people to know that even though this is a friendly place, that when they come here they will see great art. I should also add that we produce catalogues to go with the shows and editions.

David Welch, Car Culture Totem, 2011
Archival gyclee print on cotton paper
104.8 x 84.7 cm (41.3 x 33.4 in)
Edition of 5 + 1 AP
Photo Nicola Tree

Marisa Bellani launched Roman Road Project Space in Bethnal Green, East London in March, 2013. The current exhibition, David Welch Material World, is showing until 18 May.

Marisa, a collector of photography, is part of the Tate´s PAC, the Photography Acquisition Committee, and is also a member of the Steering Committee for Young Patrons at The Photographers’ Gallery in London.

She completed a 2 year MA at IESA, concentrating on collections and the business of art. She then decided to focus on photography. To fulfil her objective of opening her own gallery, Marisa interned in various private galleries, including School Gallery in Paris, as well as Gallery Vela and Gagosian in London.