Female Voices in Art: Ricarda Fox, Gallerist

Ricarda Fox (b. 1950, Essen, Germany) has been a gallery owner for contemporary art since 1993. She has studied sculpture and painting at the Düsseldorf State Art Academy and has obtained an M.A. in art history and pedagogy at the Ruhr University in Bochum. In 1980, she founded a painting and creative school for children from the age of 3, which she ran until founding her gallery in 1993.

Can you tell us something about your role in the art world?

I initiated and ventured into exhibition and outreach projects in the 1990s that were rather unusual at the time. I left the gallery space and realized many cross-disciplinary projects with visual and performing artists, scientists and athletes in industrial halls, on sites, in churches and also boxing halls. It was the themes and content that had a lot to do with the people at the exhibition venues, and that built the bridge to the understanding of art.

What did you like about participating in this project?

Of course, it is the focus on women in art. There are so many outstanding women among them that I didn't know before, and I feel honored to be a part of it.

Do you have a favorite artist?

I can't say this spontaneously. I love Giacometti, Goya, Kitaj, Heisig... But I also keep discovering new things in old and new art that excite me.

What is your earliest memory that has to do with art?

A small booklet with works by El Greco. I was given it as a communion gift at the age of 10. It made a big impression on me and made me curious to experience more.

Do you have any particular thoughts about the position of women in the art world?

Yes. I have experienced myself that it is not easy to initiate any changes in the circles and associations that are still dominated by men.

What do you wear, and is there a story behind it?

I wear black, always and again black, because I don't want to compete with the wonderful colors of all the artworks that surround me.

Has the pandemic affected your work, and have you taken up new initiatives?

Yes, I have been thinking a lot, also about closing the gallery, but then decided to start again with a gallery partner, a more modern appearance, new young, mostly female artists and with an increased focus on me, my competences and experiences.

What are you currently working on?

On the preparation of our current exhibition Bright Light and Dark Shadow, with works by Carla van de Puttelaar, on a project in a chapel in Röttingen and the presentation of our gallery at Kunst Zürich.

Can you name a project, institution or person that was important or inspiring for your career and why?

Eva Thomkins, the wife of the Swiss artist Andre Thomkins. She was my art teacher in high school and has always encouraged me to follow the path of art. I later studied with André Thomkins for a few semesters at the Düsseldorf Art Academy.