Laure Provoust

Laure Prouvost is an established artist and curator from London. She is behind tank.tv: founded by Tank magazine in 2003, the online gallery tank.tv is an inspirational showcase for innovative work in film and video.

What is like working in the media/art industry? Was it always your dream to pursue a career as an artist and gallery director?
Art was part of my upbringing so it was less of a dream but certainly a desire and an interest – I’ve loved creating things since I was a child. Developing ideas and seeing projects progress is a dream and it’s always wonderful when ideas become reality.

What is the purpose of tank.tv? What was the concept behind it?
Founded by Tank magazine in 2003, tank.tv is an inspirational showcase for innovative work in film and video. Dedicated to exhibiting and promoting emerging and established international artists www.tank.tv acts as a major online gallery – a platform and archive for contemporary moving images. tank.tv curates eight shows a year and initiates events that explore innovative contexts in which to exhibit moving images, often in collaboration with art institutions, including: Tate Modern, London / V&A, London / ICA, London / NBK, Berlin / Film Form, Stockholm / Annexia, Toulouse / Kurzfilm Festival, Oberhausen / Astigmatik Festival, Poland / Somerset House, London / Artangel, London / ZKM, Karlsruhe. tank.tv is always happy to consider unsolicited submissions. We see ourselves as a collaborative platform and are constantly looking to discover new work and exhibit that work in a carefully curated, considered manner online at www.tank.tv.

Could you please tell us more about your background and career?
I went to art school in Belgium and then studied fine art film and video at Central St Martin’s School of Art here in London. I then went on to have a few shows and it was through my practice as an artist working with the moving image that I was asked to manage tank.tv. I still see tank.tv as a creative project and collaborate and explore new ideas just as I do in my artistic practice.

How do you relate your painting and your video making activity?
It’s a translation between the two languages, the meaning is never exactly the same.

How do you find working in London? Can you tell us a bit about what’s life there like? Why did you choose to live there in the first place?
London is full of energy, eccentricity and individuality. It’s a thought provoking place and promotes the exchange of ideas between people and places.

Are there any places you’d definitely recommend to any girl visiting town (4/5 places)?
On an evening go to The Dolphin on Mare Street, Bistroteque, Passing Clouds Works, Barden’s Boudoir and the Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club.
-Tate Modern;
-Go around East London and see the independent galleries;
-The view standing on Waterloo Bridge;
-The ponds on Hampstead Heath;
-The cemetery in Stoke Newington and the canals in East London.

What are the best exhibitions experiences you had? Why?
Assisting John Latham, a screening of films by Owen Land and “Simply Botiful” by Christoph Büchel at Hauser & Wirth Coppermill in 2007.

What is the nation that has got the best cultural policy? Why?
I’ve no idea! I don’t think anywhere is ideal. There are some interesting dynamics at play here in the UK and all with very little funding.

What would you suggest to a person that wants to undertake your career?
Be passionate and open minded. Don’t play the game and don’t be taken in by what’s in vogue. There’s no need for the pretensions that the art world can sometimes entertain. Love life.

laureprouvost.com
tankmagazine.com
tank.tv