The Altruistic Artist with Denise de Cordova

Altruism: a selfless concern for the well-being of others. Is this definition realistic in today’s interconnected global landscape? Can we better understand it through the lenses of social exchange theory, the empathy-altruism hypothesis, and the norms of reciprocity?

Contemporary Psychologists have different interpretations of altruism:

Proto altruism – biological in origin, maternal and paternal nurturing.

Generative altruism – non conflictive pleasure, fostering the success of others.

Conflicted altruism – conflict resolution.

Pseudo altruism – a defensive cloak for underlying sadomasochism.

Are new words: compassion, conviviality, empathy, hospitality, mutualism and collectivism better suited to understating altruism in relation to sustainable artistic practice? Are artist led initiatives such as @theamberroomart and @quenchgallery (both creations of recent RCA Sculpture Alumni) indicative of future altruistic developments in the many art words that now coexist?

With these questions in mind, "The Altruistic Artist" is a Festus project hosted by Standpoint Gallery. This initiative will include a series of workshops and talks featuring invited alumni guests, including Rosie Reed, artist and curator who has created the Amber Room.

Standpoint is a vibrant community of artist practitioners, distinguished for its educational programs, residency opportunities, and exhibitions, including the Mark Tanner Annual Sculpture Prize. The resident artists play an integral role in creating and facilitating opportunities that foster altruism, ultimately benefiting the creative visions of others. We are excited to collaborate closely with Emma Kelly, the curator and administrator for the Mark Tanner Award, and to utilize the on-site facilities and resources provided by the talented practitioners within this community. We will be based in one of the ceramic studios at Standpoint, working with Will Papworth.

10.00am – Introduction to the community at Standpoint.

2.00pm - A ‘surgery’ with Rosie Reed and planning for the exhibition event in the Hangar Space at the Royal College of Art in December.

All day ceramic workshop with Will Papworth. Clay will be provided, and there will be an opportunity to hand build, use the wheel and develop work.

10.00am – Finish ceramics ready for firing.

Relevant reading – Marcel Maus – The Gift: Forms and Functions of Exchange in Archaic Societies.