The idea of the art residency began to take form in the United States and Europe at the turn of the 20th century, when art-lovers with deep pockets like Isabelle Gardner began offering part of their homes to favourite artists as a new kind of patronage. This form of support and opportunity for artists to travel, develop their work, and make international connections, is now provided by a variety of different institutions and sponsors, and can provide an important boost to the careers of many.

In past editions of The Works we’ve mentioned the “Gutai” group in Japan. Founded in 1954 by Shozo Shimamoto, along with Jiro Yoshihara and other students, the group was the first radical post-war artistic movement in the country. On show at Whitestone gallery until 17th November, “VIBRANT: Shozo Shimamoto x AU” shows a selection of works by Shimamoto and a group of artists from the Artist Union, with whom he formerly collaborated. The group changed its name to Art Unidentified, or AU, in 1980.

Formerly Hong Kong-based Swedish bassist Rickard Malmsten is a regular guest of The Works. He’s a keen promoter of Nordic jazz and of bringing Swedish jazz musicians to the world. Among those he’s brought to our studio in the past are renowned trumpet and flugelhorn player Anders Bergcrantz and his wife, pianist Anna-Lena Laurin Bergcrantz. But the whole family is a musical family, and today Anders and Lena are here with their two daughters Rebecca and Iris.