Debbie Meniru is a London-based writer, curator and editor. Her art writing leans into emotion, anecdote and humour and has been published internationally, including by Hatje Cantz, Rizzoli, Tate and CURA. magazine. Her writing practice is informed by research into ‘speculative interpretation’, and the melding of fact and fiction in both art and text. Debbie has curated exhibitions and events at the Hayward Gallery, Migration Museum, South London Gallery and Pi Artworks. She was previously Assistant Curator, Research and Interpretation at Tate Modern and Tate Britain, and has an MA in Curating from the Courtauld Institute of Art.
Why did you want to guest curate for Art on a Postcard?
I was excited to be invited to be a guest curator of Art on a Postcard as I’ve followed the project for a while on Instagram and enjoyed seeing the amazing works of art that have been auctioned. Being a guest curator has given me an excuse to connect with artists that I have long admired, and reconnect with artists I have enjoyed working with in the past. Most importantly, it’s a great way to support the Hepatitis C Trust.
Art on a Postcard plays a key role in raising funds and awareness for The Hepatitis C Trust. What makes you want to help fundraise for the charity?
The Hepatitis C Trust is on its way to achieving the incredibly important goal of eliminating hepatitis C by 2030. The trust particularly supports people with hepatitis C who are more at risk and less likely to access NHS care by themselves. Working with Art on a Postcard supports this vital work and is an example of how artists and art workers can come together to make a real tangible difference to people’s lives.
What were the key things you were looking for when selecting your artists for this auction?
I wanted to invite both emerging and more established artists. I looked to artists I admire: both people I have worked with previously and those whose careers I have been following for some time. Mostly I wanted to invite artists whose work I would be excited to see or tempted to buy myself!
Do you think this auction format supports/impacts emerging artists?
I think the auction is a great way to support emerging artists. It can be a way of introducing their work to new collectors and curators – potentially sparking new relationships. Art on a Postcard can also raise emerging artists’ profiles through features and interviews.
What advice would you give to someone buying their first piece of art?
Buy something you love and that you can afford! Don’t worry about the art’s future financial value and instead think about what will bring you joy in your home. What will you want to look at again and again, alone or with friends and family? I also like the idea of supporting an emerging artist and then getting to know their wider practice. Maybe buying this small-format work will give them a little boost and start a longer relationship between you both.
