In 2010, a group of 20-something art and music enthusiasts transformed an unassuming basement space on Vancouver Street into YES.OUI.SI., a multi-media gallery and gathering spot for young talents that hosted dozens of visual-art shows, film screenings, literary readings, and experimental music performances. But then, just 18 months after opening its doors, the gallery shuttered.
But that wasn't the end of YES.OUI.SI.: its energy lives on in the form of a Boston-based "boutique creative agency" run by the gallery's former curators. They plan to produce music- and art-centric events, pop-up shows, and "collaborations with companies who want to include the arts in their activities," says Miguel de Bragança, a co-founder of the project, whose first exhibition — "Collective Creature" — kicks off this this week. On view March 9–30 at Cambridge's Blanc Gallery and curated by YES.OUI.SI. co-founder Olivia Ives-Flores, the show features works by 12 artists from the "YES.OUI.SI. tribe" and explores "the exterior personas that artists create" — like the colorful characters seen above and on page 13. Take in more sights and sounds at collectivecreature.com, and hit the opening on March 9 from 6 pm to midnight.
"Collective Creature" @ Blanc Gallery, 110 Brookline St, Cambridge :: Open Wed–Fri from noon to 6 pm and weekends by appointment :: blancgallery.com
