In conversation with Eden Maseyk

“I believe that art truly is for everyone and shouldn’t be an elitist out of reach subject.”

 - Eden Maseyk

Portrait of Eden Maseyk at Helm Gallery in Brighton.

Helm, Brighton’s largest contemporary art gallery, was launched just one year ago, but already it can say that it boasts several sell out shows and collectors around the world. In has thrived in a notoriously challenging art market and in just one year has shipped art to 21 countries around the globe.

To celebrate its 1st anniversary, the gallery transformed into a living, breathing studio environment so that throughout the opening weekend visitors could get up close to the working practices of nine international artists, all under one roof, as they created new works live in the gallery: Margo in Margate, AROE, Poppy Faun, Euan Roberts, Graphic Rewilding, Dave Towers, Veera Sorri and Miles Takes.

Helm Gallery in Brighton is the result of a collective vision; one that aims to provide a never-before seen arts and exhibition space, situated at the heart of the cultural-quarter of one of the country's most creative cities. Helm’s refreshing ethos is to be a destination for people of all walks to discover and engage with contemporary art. Visitors are invited to enjoy a host of exhibitions, talks, performances and workshops and to build an art collection within a social space…where they can also enjoy a coffee or cocktail. We wanted to find out more about the people behind such a thriving destination – including co-founder, Eden Maseyk.

How did you begin your journey into art? Did you grow up in a creative environment?

As long as I can remember my life has been characterised by art. It was always something that I knew I wanted to be involved in. I grew up in a family with a real artistic streak, that always emphasised the importance of creativity. My childhood was spent at graffiti paint jams and almost every weekend I watched my dad paint.

Can you tell us a little about the trajectory you took to get where you are today?

I started off at a retail gallery in town in a sales advisor role, learning the ropes and just trying to immerse myself in every aspect of the business. Even though it was such a familiar world it was simultaneously so new - I remained curious throughout my time there, knowing that I wanted to take the skills that I acquired further in some way. The industry is famously so opaque, it was hard to see exactly what my trajectory would be - I just knew I wanted to go as far as possible.

Was it a traditional arc for the industry?

It’s hard to say. I don’t have any formal art education, which can be daunting in terms of the wider industry. My development instead involved learning everything that I could on the job and gaining valuable relationships with clients and artists in the process.

Catherine Borowski of Graphic Rewilding creates new work.

Had you worked in galleries prior to launching Helm?

I worked at a gallery in the North Laines for just over 4 years, growing up in Brighton, this gallery was the pinnacle for contemporary art.

Have you had any notable mentors?

I have a handful of people who have influenced me over the years, but I would say my most notable mentor would be my dad; he has consistently guided me and believed in my vision unconditionally.

What part of your job do you enjoy most?

Reactions – people’s reactions are everything to me and the reason why I do this. We have renamed an area in the gallery, called the ‘gasp’ this is where you turn the corner into the exhibition hall downstairs. When you hear people gasp, that's when you know you’ve done something right.

Helm seems to have an incredibly fresh and inclusive ethos. What was your vision for the gallery?

Our ethos is centred around inclusivity. I believe that art truly is for everyone and shouldn’t be an elitist out of reach subject. Something that people shy away from or feel that they can’t be part of this exclusive club due to knowledge or degree. Transparency is very important to us.

Was it important to feel welcoming to everybody, especially being based down in Brighton?

Yes, Brighton has a long history of inclusivity and creativity, we wanted a space that carves its own niche in so far as everybody would feel comfortable being immersed in art – no matter what stage you are in appreciating it.

Margo in Margate creates new work live at Helm Gallery in the opening weekend of the exhibition 'Work in Progress'.

Why Brighton and not any other city (like London)?

A space like Helm has never existed in Brighton, it’s my hometown and as such I feel deeply invested in bringing world class art and culture to the city.

You’ve had an incredible first year, commercially as well as in terms of the brand and exhibitions. What next for year 2?

We’re looking to expand our vision further. A lot of this includes developing the artists that we currently work with and also adding to our international roster, as well as placing more of an emphasis on prints and multiples that are produced in-house. We want to use our blueprint on a global scale. We’re constantly thinking of unique and exciting events and refining our schedule – you’ll just have to wait and see!

Would you ever open up a second gallery, and if so, where?

We would love to! We would want to focus on somewhere that lacks a similar kind of space rather than somewhere like London. At the moment our focus is Brighton but in the future, who knows.

What is your favourite museum or gallery in the world and why?

I love and admire elements of what lots of galleries around the world do, but in terms of galleries, I would have to say UNIT London, I love their founding story and how far they push things in terms of exhibition scheduling and their print editions.

If you weren’t working in the industry you are now, what might you see yourself doing?

I’ve always been interested in other creative industries, particularly fashion and writing, I could have definitely seen myself pursuing a career in fashion magazines.

Poppy Faun at work.

And a quick fire 5:

Any upcoming projects of note that you can discuss?

I can’t say much sadly! Just think bigger and better!

What have been the most rewarding moments of your career thus far?

Our anniversary show Work In Progress – it felt like everything we’d been working on all year just came together.

What’s the best advice you have ever received?

Dig deep.

Who are you outside of the ‘office’?

I don’t leave the office.

What do you love about Brighton?

Individuality is celebrated.

And what do you love about London?

The sheer amount of creative energy.

Helm Gallery’s one year anniversary show, Work In Progress, runs until 29 September at Helm Gallery. For more information visit helm-gallery.com.