Breaking the White Cube: How Unmaking Art Studio Is Building a More Inclusive Gallery Scene

Unmaking Art Studio, located in Barcelona’s vibrant Raval neighbourhood, unfolded organically to challenge norms and provide a comfortable artistic space where everyone feels welcome.

Opened in 2024, by self-taught Nigerian artist Shyne Eghosa Obazee and his partner Aideen Farrell, the studio and adjoining artist-run gallery champions emerging and underrepresented artists, in particular women and people of colour. Offering a welcoming and accessible space for group exhibitions, creativity, collaboration, and community-building without the burden of fitting into ‘white cube’ environments that can feel exclusionary and limiting.

“Our space welcomes the sounds of the street, the community and the engaged discussions between artists and collectors who see each other as equals.”

The art world has long been exclusionary, leaving an imperceptible emptiness in galleries and permanent collections. Spaces where diverse perspectives should have flourished. In Europe, women artists make up only 3-5% of permanent art collections while just 13.7% of living artists represented by galleries in Europe and North America are women. Artists of colour face similar systemic barriers, their work often overlooked and undervalued.

Aideen, having navigated the systemic challenges of the Engineering field, felt striking parallels between the tech and art worlds, where gatekeeping and lack of representation often stifled opportunities.

Shyne’s journey was also far from smooth. Although he evaded the ‘vanity galleries’ that charge high fees with little regard for the art, doing so demanded constant vigilance, making the experience disappointing and frustrating.

Connecting with ethical galleries, those that work on commission and assume risk, required a mix of luck, constant perseverance and experience. Thankfully, he found early engagement with wonderful galleries like Tobian Art in Florence and the Chianciano Museum in Tuscany, both of which offered genuine opportunities, learning and support. However, the experience of finding his way left a mark.

“We offer a place where artists from historically underrepresented backgrounds can showcase their work without the discomfort of engaging with the “white cube”

After many conversations and much reflection, Shyne, Aideen, and their longtime friend and art enthusiast, Melani Pardo, established the nonprofit Unmaking Art Association to create the kind of space they had seen artists and creatives struggle to find. They recognised that in solving a broader problem, they would also be building a new community and opening possibilities for themselves.

From the outset, the three envisioned a gallery that puts artists first, where sales happen directly and commission-free. “We aim to achieve self-sufficiency through a variety of initiatives, including our micro-residency program, which allows cultural tourists to support local artists while engaging with our vibrant creative community.”

The spirit of the gallery and association is rooted in professionalism, ensuring that every exhibition is presented with care. Each showing features curated art from local emerging artists, displayed on a professional rail system with art tags, and artists bios thoughtfully prepared in collaboration with the artists. Nothing is done half-heartedly.

“We invite collectors to discover & connect with emerging talent. Every engagement contributes to visibility and financial sustainability for those under represented within traditional gallery structures.”

How Unmaking Art Can Help You:

• A Supportive Space: A collaborative hub where artists can connect, exhibit, work, share ideas, and build community.
• Artist Residencies: Short-term, self-directed residencies offering time, space, and resources to focus on artistic practice.
• Group Exhibitions & Curated Events: Providing opportunities for artists to engage with collectors.

Contact Us

Visit unmaking Art studio at Carrer Lancaster 10, 08001, Barcelona.

www.unmaking-art.com