Joust the job for artists

The gallery is run by Daniel Greaney, 33, and his business partner, Malcolm Taylor, who have sought out talented young artists from the country’s top art schools and via internet sources, such as Saatchi Online.

A few of their discoveries will be on display in the gallery’s latest exhibition, Forensic, which opens on Saturday and runs until April 3.

The show features work in a range of media by artists from across the UK, such as Louise Bristow and Katerina Botsari, and from further afield, with pieces by Spaniard Antonio Lopez and Italian Luigi Consolandi also on display.

Greaney explains: “The focus of Dare To Joust is on new art by people who are on the cusp of making it.

“For Forensic, we have artists I found that fitted the theme of the show – it is about them looking at household objects and everyday events and then re-analysing them.”

Dare To Joust marks a bold move for Irishman Greaney, who had been juggling an office job and his art work since he completed an MA at St Martin’s four years ago.

He says that he is now relishing the freedom that comes with running his own gallery.

“It is fantastic as it is all down down to my own taste,” he says.

“It is also quite nerve wracking, because we see art we love but realise it might not have an audience so there needs to be a balance there.

“I have gone round shows over the years thinking I’d love to show work by these different people.

“So many people graduate and only a small percentage go on and make and show work so it is about giving as many graduates a chance as possible.”

Greaney says Dare to Joust, which also has a design shop attached to it, has already settled into its White Hart Lane home.

“There is a a great little community in Barnes,” he adds.

Forensic, Dare to Joust, 62-64 White Hart Lane, Barnes, March 20 - April 3 (Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 7 pm, Sunday 11am – 5pm), free, dareto joust.com, 020 8876 9564.