Anna García Solana

Chloé Hazelwood (C.H.). How do you think your photography influences your curatorial practice and vice versa?

Anna García (A.G.).  My Fine Arts studies broadened my perspective and deepened my curatorial experience. I first explored my creativity through the visual arts discipline, and later, I became a curator. As a curator, I’ve always had a special sensitivity, which, in turn, makes me think from two perspectives: both as an artist and as a curator. When I assistant an artist’s work, I am often sympathetic to their situation because I share a similar experience as an artist, making it easy to connect. Indeed, they enrich my practice, as they feed into each other, broadening my perspective and helping me understand the viewpoints of both, artist and curator. In addition, I believe that both have the creative process within them, though they yield different results

C.H. What makes art such a powerful tool for recovery and rebuilding the community after a global crisis?

A.G. Art is a powerful tool for communication. Today, thanks to the internet, art knows no boundaries—we can connect across the globe with a simple click. Historically, art began as a magical practice, then evolved through religious expression, and was eventually appropriated by elite society.

However, in the present day, art—as a form of expression rather than a commodity—remains inexorable. It continues to serve as a vehicle for transmitting emotions, concerns, philosophical reflections, fears, and social critique.

Moreover, art therapy is widely recognized as a powerful tool for recovery. Through creative expression—whether music, photography, performance, or painting—we can reconnect as a community. This process allows our creativity and emotions to flow freely. In turn, we rediscover ourselves, share knowledge, build resilience, and heal from pain and fear.

Ultimately, the practice of fostering creativity is one of the most transformative tools we have, as it stimulates and broadens our minds.

C.H. Name five artists who are making really exciting work right now.

A.G. Such a difficult question. I always hesitate to talk about my favorite, as I have countless favorites in every aspect of life. Definitely, I fall in love with every single artist that I work at Fire Escape. Moreover, I will name Ai Wei Wei, Guerilla Girls, Melati Suryodarmo, Hassan Hajjaj, and Ali Tahayori.

C.H. What got you into the creative industries?

A.G. Making a living through art is a challenge. We’re often told that once you complete a degree, a career will naturally follow. But in Fine Arts, it’s different. Does a degree make you more or less of an artist? That question stayed with me. It led me to continue creating—not for a title, but from a personal need to express myself. The romantic idea of creating solely for the love of art is beautiful—but unrealistic. So, I turned to art management and curatorship. There, I found sustainability and balance—a way to support the arts while remaining true to my creative drive.

C.H. If you could go to any gallery or museum in the world right now, which one would it be?

A.G. Kiasma in Helsinki. Although I have never been to Finland, I am deeply interested in the way they think as a society. They consistently make smart choices—prioritizing the well-being of their population, fostering an inspirational education system, and demonstrating political progressiveness. Therefore, it would be incredibly interesting to spend some time there.

However, the challenge is that it’s very cold in Finland! Yet, that same factor can also be an advantage—it encourages people to spend more time indoors, which may contribute to the development of creative and intellectual skills.

Interview by Chloé Hazelwood [she/her] writer and art curator based in Melbourne.

Melbourne 2019.