Crafting Connections: Inside HAIR, Melbourne’s Unique ARI Space
Estimated reading time 7 minutes
In the cozy chaos of Melbourne’s eclectic art scene, a small but captivating space known as HAIR has emerged. Nestled in a nook that once housed an Australian hairdresser, this Artist-Run Initiative (ARI) has quickly become a haven for experimental and research-driven art. We had the pleasure of chatting with the two co-founders, Jesse and Cristea, about their journey, inspirations, and the quirky charm of their space.
Photos from Hair ARI
As we settle into the conversation, Jesse—one half of the dynamic duo—introduces himself with a blend of modesty and retrospection. "Hi, I'm Jesse. I'm just a Hainanese artist from the South of China," he shares, "Basically, I'm not that kind of artist. Artist, artist. I was doing accounting before I got into art."
Jesse’s path into the art world might seem serendipitous, but it’s also a testament to the unpredictable nature of creative journeys. His work is steeped in speculative realism and oriental ontology, and he focuses on what he describes as "the thingness of certain objects," a concept he investigates through media and performance installation.
Cristea, the other half of HAIR, shares her background, reflecting on their formative years in Melbourne. "I moved here around six years ago and did a Master of Fine Art, mainly in media and performance installation. I was interested in loss and mourning and how the past reoccurs in the present."
Despite their seemingly different starting points, both Jesse and Cristea found common ground in their passion for art and their determination to carve out a space for creative expression. The idea of starting an ARI was initially a passing thought, a drunken whim shared among classmates. But as they navigated the harsh realities of the art world during COVID-19, the plausibility of opening a space filled a gap in the art market.
Cristea elaborates on how they encountered the space. "Jesse saw an ad for on Creative Spaces that was available for rent. It was really late at night when I got the message, 'Do you want to go to the inspection?' It was so random and out of context, but we went anyway."
Securing the space felt like a stroke of luck. "Lots of people were interested in it because it had a good front-facing location," Jesse recalls. "We had to open before Christmas, which was intense."
Their first show debuted in January, and since then, HAIR has become a beacon for artists seeking a platform for unconventional and research-driven works. But what exactly sets HAIR apart? For starters, its name is a clever nod to its past as a hair salon, a quirky detail that adds to its charm.
"We host salon nights, which are music or sound performance nights. People have told us they enjoy the intimacy and uniqueness of our venue, which is different from a club or pub," says Cristea. This sense of intimacy and community is a core aspect of HAIR’s identity, fostering a close-knit environment where art can thrive in unexpected ways.
Jesse adds, "Our original idea was to create a window exhibition. Even when we're closed, people can view the art from outside. It's about making art accessible, even if it’s just for a passerby."
When asked about their vision for HAIR, the co-founders admit it’s hard to say.
Their personal experiences deeply influence HAIR’s programming. Jesse’s interest in speculative realism and Cristea’s fascination with themes of loss and mourning subtly inform the projects they curate. "We go to a lot of openings to find artists who fit our vision. It’s about personal taste and promoting the space," says Cristea.
This blend of personal and professional inspiration has led to a unique and compelling roster of exhibitions. One standout show featured the work of Adin, an artist who seamlessly integrated her research paper into her installation, embodying the ethos of HAIR: making complex ideas accessible through visual art.
"Sometimes, research doesn’t need to be read as text. It can be experienced through art," says Jesse.
This approach challenges traditional academic paradigms, emphasizing the sensory over the textual.
However, running HAIR hasn’t been without its challenges.
The challenge lies in balancing logistics with creativity. Jesse shares, "I’ve been out of art-making for so long that I feel more like a logistics worker now. Getting back into my practice is tough."
Despite these hurdles, the feedback from visitors has been overwhelmingly positive. "People love the name HAIR. It’s witty and memorable," says Cristea. "We’ve even had people walk in asking for haircuts," Jesse adds with a laugh. "Maybe we could do a show about hair!"
As we wrap up our conversation, it’s clear that HAIR is more than just an art space. It’s a testament to the resilience and creativity of its founders, a quirky and welcoming venue that invites the public to engage with art in new and exciting ways. From its origins as a casual joke to its current status as a beloved ARI, HAIR embodies the spirit of Melbourne’s art scene: daring, innovative, and endlessly surprising.
Experience the profound and timely exploration of urban atmospheres at HAIR's upcoming exhibition, 𝘼𝙩𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙥𝙝è𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙚 (𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙩𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙥𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨), by composer and sociologist James Hazel. Developed during his residency at the Cité internationale des arts, this project delves into the intersection of urban infrastructure and community resilience, spotlighting the hidden narratives of Parisian ventilation shafts and their impact on displaced communities.
Date: Sunday, June 30, from 4-6 PM for the opening event.
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