Artistic Horizons: Exploring Modernity with Dr. Bernard Vere
In this enlightening conversation with Dr. Bernard Vere, Global Programme Director, MA in Fine and Decorative Art and Design at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, we delve into a world where art intersects with technology, history, and personal passion. Dr. Vere, with his deep-rooted love for modern art and an unexpected devotion to Leyton Orient Football Club, offers a unique perspective on the cultural forces that shape our understanding and appreciation of art. Meeting Dr. Bernard Vere, Global Programme Director, MA in Fine and Decorative Art and Design at Sotheby’s Institute of Art was a privilege. Bernard, initially introduced to Sotheby’s as a Phd student, and still working at the institute for almost 20 years. His perspective on modern art and its societal impact offered a refreshing standpoint into the complexity of the art world.
Dr. Vere’s journey, marked by decades of dedication to art and education, reveals a life intertwined with the evolution of artistic expression.”My interest in modern art began quite unexpectedly,” Dr. Vere shared, recalling his teenage years. “It was the Tate, Liverpool that really did it for me, my grandparents lived near Liverpool, and as a late teenager and I started going to explore the gallery, looking at the surrealism collection, looking at the Mark Rothko artworks that they had there.”
Vere’s recounting of his initial encounters with abstract expressionist art, particularly the Rothko Seagram Murals at Tate Liverpool, highlights a moment in his formative years that deeply influenced his future direction in the art world. His reflection on this experience sheds light on the impact Rothko’s art had on him and offers insight into how early exposure to significant artworks can shape one’s appreciation and understanding of art.
“It wasn’t just about seeing the artworks but feeling them, the feeling of stillness, calm and contemplation was really important for me”. “Rothko’s ability to evoke emotion through abstraction—using colour fields to create an immersive, enveloping experience”. He continued “When you’re just in the room with them and you spend time with it, it is a very kind of spiritual feeling Rothko’s a very kind of spiritual artist”. “It was the first time I’d really I’d seen a lot of altarpieces and things like that that displayed.”
Rothko’s works, known for their spiritual and emotional depth, offer viewers an opportunity for introspection and contemplation. For a young Dr. Vere, the exposure to such profound artistic expression opened up new avenues of thought and inquiry, setting the stage for his future engagement in the art world.
Dr. Vere’s mention of Tate Liverpool as the catalyst for his interest in modern art emphasises the role of art institutions as gateways to cultural and personal discovery. Moreover, it highlights the importance of public access to art, allowing individuals from all walks of life to encounter and be moved by the power of artistic expression.
With a career spans over three decades, with nearly twenty years at the Sotheby’s Institute of Art. His experiences reflect a profound engagement with art’s ability to mirror and mould societal shifts. “Towards the end of the 19th century, you get cars, you get airplanes, you get the typewriter, you get sound recording… All of this really changes the way in which people relate to one another very profoundly, So it’s looking at those sorts of technological and social changes and seeing how they play out in forms of art” he explained, illustrating how technological advancements have historically impacted artistic expression”.
When asked about the role galleries play in an artists journey towards achieving cultural prominence, Dr Vere responded “I mainly work with artists who’ve long since died. So, obviously very, very different in terms of the primary market which I know less about, but I think one of the things that galleries can do is nurture an artist’s career, work with building a relationship with them. In a way, the auction houses, frankly, don’t have the incentive to do all the time, and it’s not what they’re there for”. “I think the idea that galleries can spot talent and then work with somebody to decide what’s right for them in terms of where they should be showing you should be seen when you feel confident enough to give them an exhibition”. “I think that’s a really important thing as well, and also, I love to work with artists who have established a strong historical record”.
Discussing the role of cultural institutions, Dr. Vere expressed a traditional view on the purpose of museums. “I suppose I am quite a reasonably old-fashioned view about what museums are there for, they include providing information and educating people. They include a space that maybe tries to be removed from other spaces that we already have.” “I like them to be spaces of contemplation and idea”, he continues “I mean, most people, even if they have skepticism about what museums are for or the role of museums in that they are still looking towards museums to be validators of what it is that they’re doing as well.” His commitment to preserving the integrity of museums as spaces for reflection and knowledge exchange is evident.
Dr. Vere passionately advocates for public engagement with art, urging the younger generation to explore and experience art firsthand. “If you’re interested in artworks from 100 years ago, Sotheby’s is one of the best places in London,” he said, referring to the opportunities to view modern art in Sotheby’s that may be sold and hidden away again for decades. “I’ve been in this job, as I say, almost 20 years, and there’s still something incredible about seeing a work that, you know, is absolutely fantastic and standing in front of it and in an auction house, you never know whether you’re going to ever see it again, And I still find that a strange kind of feeling”. “But I wish more people had the opportunity to see those works before they perhaps disappeared”.
His work, which explores the connection between technological advances and the rise of metropolitan culture, provides insightful perspectives on the evolution of artistic forms. Dr. Vere is particularly fascinated by the period from 1905 to the Second World War, a time of significant artistic reevaluation. “There’s a kind of reevaluating so that there are curatorial decisions… giving those exhibitions to women, modernist artists,” he noted, highlighting the shifting focus towards inclusivity in the art world.
Additionally, while discussing various aspects of art and culture, Dr. Vere touches upon broader themes and movements that involve numerous artists and cultural figures. Given the context of our conversation, which spans from modernist art to the role of institutions and the intersection with popular culture, it’s clear Dr. Vere’s expertise and interests encompass a wide range of artists across different periods and styles.
Vere’s references the importance of recognising female artists within modernist movements and their growing acknowledgment in recent years and appreciates the contributions of various female artists who have been historically underrepresented.
Dr. Vere admires the contributions of several female artists from movements like Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism. This group includes Georgia O’Keeffe, a key figure in American Modernism; Dora Maar, noted for her Surrealist photography and painting; Frida Kahlo, renowned for her introspective and emblematic works; Tamara de Lempicka, famous for her Art Deco portraits; Lee Krasner, a foundational Abstract Expressionist; and Helen Frankenthaler, celebrated for her pioneering painting techniques. These artists have profoundly impacted the art world and continue to gain recognition.
Towards the end of our conversation, Dr. Vere reflected on his personal connections to art, emphasising the importance of political awareness and the transformative power of art. “My favourite artist is Kurt Schwitters… he turned his whole house into an interior sculpture,” Dr. Vere shared, expressing admiration for artists who push boundaries and challenge societal norms.
Concluding my conversation with Dr. Bernard Vere at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, it’s clear that his insights shed invaluable light on the multifaceted relationship between art, culture, and society. Dr. Vere’s reflections emphasise not just the aesthetic value of art but its profound ability to communicate, educate, and inspire across generations and geographies.
The cultural importance of museums and galleries cannot be overstated; they serve as custodians of history, creativity, and human expression. As Dr. Vere articulated, these institutions play a pivotal role in educating the public, fostering a deeper appreciation for art, and providing a space for contemplation and intellectual exchange.
They offer a sanctuary where the dialogue between the past and present enriches our understanding of the world.Art exhibitions, museums and auctions, as highlighted by Dr. Vere, present unique opportunities to witness the breadth and depth of artistic creativity. These platforms not only showcase the works of renowned artists but also unveil hidden gems that may never be seen again. Such events underscore the ephemeral nature of art viewing in the commercial sphere, reminding us of the privilege and importance of engaging with art firsthand.
The significance of Sotheby’s Institute of Art, as elucidated by Dr. Vere, extends beyond its role as a premier educational institution. It stands at the confluence of art history, market dynamics, and cultural policy, preparing the next generation of art professionals to navigate and contribute to the complex landscape of the art world. Through its curriculum, Sotheby’s Institute affirms the critical understanding of art’s value and impact, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to preserve, interpret, and promote artistic heritage in a global context.
Dr. Vere’s personality—between the intellectual, scholarly world of art history and the vibrant, communal experience of football—highlights a dynamic character. Vere’s much loved engagement with Leyton Orient shows his passion in human experiences, whether that’s through the contemplative act of engaging with art or the collective excitement of supporting a football team.
My conversation with Dr. Vere reaffirms the indispensable role of art and cultural institutions in enriching society. Museums, exhibitions, and auctions not only offer a window into the diversity of human creativity but also challenge us to see the world through different lenses. Meanwhile, educational institutions like Sotheby’s Institute of Art ensure that the stewardship of this cultural wealth continues to evolve, informed by a deep respect for history and a forward-looking vision for the future of art.
