MOT (gallery) facts for kids

MOT International, which used to be called MOT Gallery, was a special art gallery in east London. It was started by Chris Hammond in 2002 and showed exciting contemporary art, which is art made in our time. The gallery closed its doors in 2016.

What Was MOT International?

MOT International was a place where artists could show their new and interesting artworks. It was known for supporting artists and helping people discover new art. The gallery was like a project space, meaning it often tried new ways of showing art.

How Did It Start?

The MOT gallery began in 2002. It was founded by Chris Hammond, Floyd Varey, and Mally Mallinson. They wanted to create an "independent space" for art, which means it was run by artists and art lovers, not a big company.

Cool Art Projects

In 2005, Chris Hammond helped create a unique art project called Paradise Row with artist Shezad Dawood. Here's how it worked:

• Dawood bought an old house in London.
• He made the inside of the house completely white.
• Then, he put the house up for sale like a normal home.
• But it was also an art exhibition! People looking to buy a house would walk into an art show without even knowing it.

Chris Hammond explained that imagining your dream home is like art. He said, "Fantasy is really important... it's about imagining space that doesn't actually exist yet." The real estate agent even thought it was a great way to attract creative people!

Connecting with Canadian Artists

MOT Gallery also worked with artists from other countries.

• In 2006, they invited Shai Ohayon to put together an exhibition called "The Real Canadian." It showed art by new Canadian artists like Elizabeth Fearon, Jason Kronenwald, and Robert Waters.
• Later that year, a gallery in Toronto, Canada, called PM Gallery, showed an exhibition called Bubble & Squeak. This show featured artists who had already shown their work at MOT in London.

Around this time in 2006, the gallery changed its name to MOT International.

Recognized Artworks

In 2007, a famous art expert named Iwona Blazwick picked a film by Elizabeth Price as her most important artwork of the year. The film, called At the House of Mr X (2007), was shown at MOT International.

Where Was the Gallery Located?

MOT International had a few different homes over the years:

• First London Home: The gallery first opened at Regent Studios in London. Other art galleries were also in the same building. The closest train station was Bethnal Green.
• Brussels, Belgium: In 2011, MOT International opened a new gallery in Brussels, the capital of Belgium. They had a few locations there until 2016.
• Second London Home: In 2012, MOT International opened another London gallery in a fancy area called Mayfair. The original Regent Studios location then became "MOT International Projects," where they continued to do special exhibitions.
• Planned Move: In 2016, the gallery announced it would move to a new central London spot, but this move didn't happen before it closed.

Artists Who Showed Their Work

Many well-known artists showed their art at MOT International. Some of them include:

• Jeremy Deller
• Liam Gillick
• Martin Creed
• Martin Kippenberger
• Simon Patterson
• Sarah Lucas
• Matthew Collings
• Matthew Higgs
• Mark Wallinger

In 2016, the gallery also represented many artists, meaning they helped manage their careers and sell their art. Some of these artists were:

• BANK
• Ericka Beckman
• Simon Bedwell
• Susan Hiller
• Elizabeth Price
• Laure Prouvost
• Ulay
• Stephen Willats

Funding and Closure

MOT International received money from the Arts Council of England. This organization helps fund art and culture in England.

Sadly, in July 2016, MOT International closed down. The company went into liquidation because it was no longer able to pay its debts.