Has anyone seen Yara Caroline Tshallener?!

It was fun catching up with a few friends and fellow artists last night to start the weekend. Part of the conversation was about financing your art career especially in this economic climate. It reminded me that, over a year and a half after the disappointment of cancelling a London show, I have yet to hear from former gallery owner and artist Yara Caroline Tshallener. You may recall from a previous blog post, Yara received payment from several artists for exhibition space during 2011. Unfortunately they did not get the chance to exhibit because the gallery was closed under questionable circumstances. Furthermore, artists have yet to receive compensation from Yara who remains undercover. I doubt whether we will see Yara again but if you do be on your guard!!

 

Yara Caroline Tshallener & closure of Redgate Gallery London

With great regret, I announce the cancellation of my scheduled show at Redgate Gallery London. This is due to the apparent activities of the gallery proprietor Yara Caroline Tshallener.

Yara has been evicted from the premises and appears be in hiding. Several artists scheduled to exhibit over coming months are now without a venue or the money they’ve paid for space. The gallery, a landmark in south London with a 13-year history, will be closed for the foreseeable future whilst the police investigate and seek her whereabouts. For several days, a number of artists have tried to contact Yara without success.

Yara Caroline Tshallener

This strange and disturbing situation unfolded last Friday when artist Marta Frankiewicz arrived from Poland to set up her solo exhibition. She arrived only to find the gallery locked with no access to her work inside!

This isn’t the type of material I like to write but when a person you’ve worked with, trusted and entered a legally binding contract misleads and exploits clients in such a way it’s only fair!

It comes as a great annoyance after time, money and energy has been spent. I was particularly looking forward to my opening weekend with guest poets and live music in aid of the Sickle Cell Society. I will no doubt organise something with my colleagues and the charity in the near future. To fellow artists and art followers, be careful with whom you do business with .Watch out for Yara!

I hope to bring you further information.