Revolt Gallery
REVOLT GALLERY on 222 Paseo del Pueblo Norte exists to “support all demographics” of the Taos community according to owner Steven McFarland. He said his gallery space “stands apart from most other galleries as we do not focus on the Southwestern palette or themes. I have sought to offer a space for local, emerging and underground artists engaged in the contemporary arts. Revolt Gallery is, above all, committed to artistic and creative freedom for all. We show everything from installation to performance to music and (pre-COVID) we know how to throw a proper party.”
Tempo caught up with McFarland and asked a few questions. Here are the edited highlights.
What brought you to Taos, what sustains you here?
In 2006, a friend had asked if I wanted to go to a land auction in Taos. I came out from St. Louis, Missouri, with my only connection being Michael Reynolds’ Earthship books and my friend. There was no land auction, but after a few days my friend led me to a property in the Three Peaks area. As I was getting out of the car, Chaitanya Massera came out and said, “You guys were in my dream last night!” and I said, “What are we here for?” In true magical Taos fashion, he replied, “To buy land! My dad’s inside and he has some for sale.” I bought 3/4 of an acre that day and built up my property, and four years later I could move here full time. The community, friends and my gallery keep me here and I am proud to call Taos home.
What is behind the name of the gallery?
Revolt plays off the famous Taos revolts of the past. It also refers to my thoughts on the institutionalized art world. I dislike the standard way how art is dealt and how galleries are held for the “best” that they see fit in their “educated” mindsets.
You’ve been open since 2017, what are you most proud of, what were some setbacks?
I am most proud of the acceptance that spans across all demographics of the Taos community. It is heartwarming to witness the community exploring the range of what we offer and enjoy what we are showing in the gallery. The main setbacks came getting our feet wet and finding the right people to help, but those times are far in the past now. We have a great team of contributors that make Revolt stand out and afford me flexibility to be a father and pursue more adventurous ideas.
How do you see the gallery’s role in supporting diversity in Taos?
Simple, we reach out to contemporary, underground artists to give those artists a platform to show, grow and be a part of the art scene here in Taos. A part of Revolt’s mission is to support artists from diverse backgrounds and elevate the voices of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women artists. We seek to build equality through a strong creative community, inclusive of all groups and individuals.
How do you define ‘artistic freedom’?
Artistic freedom is all about spontaneity and variety. Variety creates interest and spontaneity involves a connection to intuition that is calling to be explored. This provides a new perspective on how something could be executed in terms of medium usage or technique. It is the closest thing to an original idea, which is unique to whoever comes up with it. Spontaneity, variety and exploration are the ingredients to artistic freedom.
Where do you see yourself and where do you hope to take the gallery in five years, and in 10?
I hope that Revolt is a place where everyone wants to visit virtually or physically to connect with the people of Taos; a space where artists can contribute and feel recognized; a place where people of all ages and walks of life can come and be a part of an experience that is unique to Taos. I see myself here in Taos as a thriving contributor of the community. Taos has brought so much love and life into this journey of mine, and I would only hope to give the gift back to the community.
Is there anything else we should make our readers aware of?
Through this pandemic, we at Revolt have continued to support the artists that remain in the shadows of the limelight. We have gone online with our website taosrevolt.com and are producing content for people to enjoy virtually while supporting the artists, musicians and production people that make up Revolt. We created a variety of videos that are released with major holidays from the “Decolonizing this Day” to the “Revolt 2020 Holiday Special,” which are all accessible on our website. You can also access our Third Taos Revolt show hanging inside the gallery virtually on our site. If you give Revolt a follow on Instagram @revolt_gallery, you will know information about more virtual art and music events coming up!
You can also make an appointment to see the gallery in person, while practicing COVID-safe protocols, by calling/ texting (575) 616-2426.