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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kinnari Saraiya is a London-based Indian artist, curator, and researcher whose work focuses on trans-altern and post-humanist ideas from the Global South. She is currently a curator at Somerset House and has held positions at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Frieze Art Fair, and Bowes Museum....
Fusing her Asian roots with a fascination for African pattern work and her deep passion for architectural geometry, Halima’s work is intense yet playful, structured yet creative; substantial yet dynamic and invariably compelling in its originality.
Matilda Liu is an independent curator and collector based in London, with a collection focusing on Chinese contemporary art in conversation with international emerging artists. Having curated exhibitions for various contemporary art galleries and organisations, she is now launching her own curatorial initiative, Meeting Point Projects.
EKLEIDO, a choreographic duo formed by Hannah Ekholm and Faye Stoeser, choreograph performances for live shows and film.
Lydia Smith is one to watch. Currently on show in three different places across London, her work can be seen in a solo exhibition in the City, a group show in a chapel in Chelsea and through a new series of monumental sculptures installed outdoors across sprawling parkland…
Taipei-based IT entrepreneur Elsa Wang is the founder of Bluerider ART, a progressive gallery at the intersection of art and technology.
Jemma Powell is known for her observational landscapes. She is also an accomplished actress having featured in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland…
Suzanna Petot, originally from New York, is a curator and writer based in London. She holds an MA in Curating the Art Museum from The Courtauld Institute of Art and has worked at various institutions in the U.S., Italy, and the UK, including Gallerie delle Prigioni, The Courtauld Gallery, Tate Modern, M.I.T List Center for Visual Art, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art…
Deep K Kailey boasts a highly successful career in the fashion industry, having made significant contributions to renowned publications such as Dazed, Vogue, and Tatler. However, driven by a quest for deeper meaning in life, she embarked on a transformative spiritual journey. This path ultimately led her to establish one-of-a-kind arts organisation Without Shape Without Form (WSWF)….
Elli Jason Foster and Millie Jason Foster are the dynamic co-directors behind Gillian Jason Gallery. This groundbreaking gallery is the first of its kind in the UK, wholly committed to celebrating female artists…
Megan Piper is the co-founder and Director of The Line, a public art project in east London, established in 2015. Prior to setting up The Line, she had a gallery in London’s Fitzrovia, where her exhibition programme focused on rediscovering and re-evaluating artists whose careers started in the 1960s and 70s…
Emma Capron is Acting Curator of Early Netherlandish, German, and French Painting at the National Gallery, London, where she recently curated ‘The Ugly Duchess: Beauty and Satire in the Renaissance’. A passionate advocate for Renaissance painting, she has over a decade of experience in the art world, both on the art market and in leading American and European museums…
Péjú Oshin is a university lecturer, curator, poet, and the associate director of the commercial art gallery Gagosian…
Kaddie Rothe is the co-founder of goalgirls. She is a freelance creative director and copywriter from Berlin who has embarked on The Unsettling Project…
Leah Gordon is a photographer, artist, curator, writer and filmmaker. Gordon was born in Ellesmere Port, equidistant between Liverpool, a city built upon the slave trade, and Manchester, built upon the industrial revolution, themes that are recurrent in her work…
Ndubuisi Kejeh is the founders of Mustard - an Africa-focused venture agency - in 2013, which is on a mission to build better products, better brands and better perceptions for Africa, with founders and investors who believe…
Eugene Onegin, The Royal Opera · British Art Fair 2024 · Rasheed Araeen’s Discosailing: A Ballet on Water · Edward Gardner Conducts Rachmaninov · Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, The Royal Ballet · Debenhams Exclusive One-Day Luxury Pop-Up Spa · Free Pizza from Yard Sale Pizza · Chelsea History Festival · Friday Late: Fashioning Futures · Christie’s Late: Voices of Black Artistry · Yayoi Kusama….
Bermondsey Street Festival · Frieze Sculpture 2024 · London Design Festival 2024 · Future of Food Festival · Ara Malikian · Totally Thames 2024 · La traviata, The Royal Opera · Qudus Onikeku’s Re:INCARNATION · Michael Craig-Martin · Yelena Popova: Of Dust and Breath · Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum: It Will End in Tears · Lap-See Lam · Tracey Emin: I followed you to the end · Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers · Eva Rothschild · …
Slice teams up with Yard Sale Pizza for free Pizza on the 24 September at their Hackney Road Store….
The exhibition ‘MARY MARY’ will feature sculptures by nine women artists on the roof terrace above Temple tube station from October 2024 to September 2025…
Hayu FanFest will make its debut in London on 26 October, featuring exclusive panels, star-studded meet-and-greets, and a special appearance by Andy Cohen…
London's bustling art week returns next month, with Frieze London and Frieze Masters launching at The Regent's Park from 9 to 13 October 2024. During this time, several other art fairs will also be taking place across the city…
Queen’s Park is set to bid farewell to summer with a vibrant street party on Lonsdale Road, scheduled for Friday, 13th September, from 4-10pm. This exciting event will unite the local community with a lively set by Hed Kandi DJ John Jones …
London Podcast Festival 2024 · Birkenstock 250th Anniversary Exhibition · Rolf Hind: Sky in a Small Cage · Totally Thames 2024 · Unlimited Southbank Centre · London Mural Festival 2024 · Cornelius + Ichiko Aoba · The Marriage of Figaro, The Royal Opera · Rooftop Book Club · The Vinyl Factory: REVERB · Ernest Cole: House of Bondage · Roger Mayne: Youth …
A significant piece of London’s nightlife history is making its way to the new London Museum, set to open in 2026. The iconic sign from the renowned nightclub fabric, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2019, will be featured in the museum’s permanent installation…
Babur is a respected family run restaurant in an unassuming neighbourhood which opened back in 1985 and has clearly stood the test of time. The kitchen is led by two talented chefs (formerly of the renowned luxury Oberoi Hotel Group) head chef Jiwan Lal and sous chef Praveen Kumar Gupta, who both helped Babur receive London’s Best Asian Restaurant at the Asian Restaurant Awards in 2022.
One Tree Hill Nature Reserve offers a peaceful retreat from busy London. Located in Honor Oak It can be reached by the Overground train arriving at Honor Oak, a small reserve of 7 acres with interesting history, wildlife and stunning panoramic views towards the city.
Lumen Studios present NONOTAK’s ECLIPSE in London with a 1,000-square-metre immersive light and sound exhibition.
Shifters, currently on at The Duke of York’s Theatre following a sold-out first run at Bush Theatre, is the story of Dre and Des: two childhood friends who reunite at the wake of Dre’s Nana after eight long years apart.
Kinnari Saraiya is a London-based Indian artist, curator, and researcher whose work focuses on trans-altern and post-humanist ideas from the Global South. She is currently a curator at Somerset House and has held positions at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Frieze Art Fair, and Bowes Museum....
Arte Povera at Bourse de Commerce · retrospective of Jackson Pollock’s Musée National Picasso-Paris · Barbara Crane’s photography at Centre Pompidou · Pop Forever, Tom Wesselmann & …, at Fondation Louis Vuitton · Petit Palais Palais de Tokyo…
Berlin, Berlin: 20 Years of the Helmut Newton Foundation · Alexandra Pirici and Nama Tsbar at Hamburger Bahnhof · Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley: The Soul Station · Luis Roque: Estufa · Galli: See How You Get On · Akinbode Akinbiyi: Being, Seeing, Wandering · Frans Hals: Master of the Fleeting Moment · Dream On—Berlin, the 90s...
Wilhelm Sasnal: Painting as Prop at Stedelijk Museum · Matthew Wong: Vincent van Gogh: Painting as a Last Resort at Van Gogh Museum · Point of View at Rijksmuseum…
On the last Saturday of August, Tate Modern Lates will present a unique collaboration with the acclaimed rapper, singer, and actor Little Simz, who will curate an exclusive evening of music, conversations, workshops...
Classical Music Opening Weekend Southbank Centre · CelebrASIA Festival at Battersea Power Station · Rooftop Book Club · Qudus Onikeku’s Re:INCARNATION · London Design Festival 2024 · Totally Thames 2024 · Open House London · Art Exhibitions · Voyages Extraordinaires at Gothic Bar · Waterworks Festival · The Last Night of the Proms · Unlimited Southbank Centre · London Mural Festival…
National Prosecco Weekend · Fiddler on the Roof · Hospitality In The Woods · All Points East Festival · Hogarth’s House · Afternoon Tea Week 2024 · Wellness in Nature · Homelessness: Reframed · Peter Kennard: Archive of Dissent · Hockney and Piero: A Longer Look · Banksy’s in London · POoR Collective: Together We Rise…
Andi and Miquita Oliver introduced Wilderness Festival goers to a selection of European cheeses, sharing culinary tips and insights during a live podcast with special guest Matt Tebbutt….
Marc Quinn: Light into Life · Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere · Roger Mayne: Youth · C. Rose Smith: Talking Back to Power · Rheim Alkadhi: Templates for Liberation · REVERB by The Vinyl Factory · Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection · Design Discoveries: Towards a DESIGN MUSEUM JAPAN · Gavin Jantjes: To Be Free! A Retrospective 1970 – 2023 · Francis Alÿs: Ricochets · Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence …
We were keen to receive an invitation to tour this year’s 13th Edition of Sculpture in the City. There is something about public sculpture, which is extremely appealing, with each sculpture displayed with its own unique back drop…
Official Team GB Fan Zones · King’s Cross Fan Zone · Battersea Power Station Fan Zone · Grosvenor Square, Mayfair Fan Zone · Old Royal Naval College’s Summer Big Screen · Bishops Square, Spitalfields · Hammersmith Summer Festival · Lower Marsh, Waterloo · Summer in the Square, Marylebone · Summer Screens, Canary Wharf · Summer by the River….
José María Velasco: A View of Mexico · Noah Davis · Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism · Christina Kimeze · Citra Sasmita: Into Eternal Land · Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo · The Music Is Black: A British Story · Kiefer/Van Gogh · Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300‒1350 · Kerry James Marshall · A Story of South Asian Art: Mrinalini Mukherjee and Her Circle · Mickalene Thomas: All About Love · RA Summer Exhibition 2025…
Southbank Centre reveals exciting line-up for London Literature Festival 2024, co-curated by rapper Ghetts and featuring exclusive book launches and poetry events…
Cocktails in the City‧ Somerset House Summer Series‧ UEFA EURO 2024: England v Netherlands‧ BST Hyde Park‧ Wimbledon‧ Kew the Music‧ You Belong Here‧ Kaleidoscope Festival‧ Come As You Really Are‧ Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award 2024‧ Barbie: The Exhibition‧ Joy Labinjo: We Are Briefly Gorgeous‧ Firelei Báez: Sueño de la Madrugada (A Midnight’s Dream)‧ Old Royal Naval College’s Summer Big Screen‧ Rucola rooftop restaurant‧ The Literacy Pirates