The pace of Margaret River is a world apart from the frenetic energy of London’s finance sector, where Chris Churcher’s journey to founding REDSEA Gallery began. Keren Bellos learns more.
Working as a currency trader in England from the mid-1980s, he had bigger dreams in mind and requested a company transfer to Singapore in 1996.
“Growing up, I’d always hoped I could have my own business, so looking back, I think this desire to move overseas was the subconscious beginning of that realisation,” he said.
During travels through nearby countries, Mr Churcher was captivated by the explosion of creativity, particularly in Vietnam, Indonesia and China.
This burgeoning art scene, coupled with the limited gallery options in Singapore, presented a market gap he was determined to fill.
“I wanted to start a gallery business with my future wife, Charlie, whom I’d met in Singapore,” Mr Churcher said.
“The hard part was how to exit my career, which gave us the financial security of a regular pay cheque.”
The tragic events of September 11, 2001 marked a turning point.
Anxiously waiting to hear if his brother had survived the terrorist attacks in the US – and thankfully he did – Mr Churcher realised life was too short to delay his dreams.
This led to the launch of REDSEA Gallery in Dempsey Hill, Singapore, in early 2002.
Fast forward to 2024, the business’s success sparked an expansion to Margaret River – a region they fell in love with during their holidays.
The couple built a home on a “piece of land that time forgot”, eventually accepting a visa during the COVID-19 years to live and work in Western Australia.
“Opening a second REDSEA was an obvious choice,” Mr Churcher said.
“For several years, we’d been exhibiting WA artists in our Singapore gallery, so this opportunity gave us this platform to grow that business even more.”
“Opening a second REDSEA was an obvious choice,” Mr Churcher said.
“For several years, we’d been exhibiting WA artists in our Singapore gallery, so this opportunity gave us this platform to grow that business even more.”
Mr Churcher said curating shows was a mix of intuition and experience, often showcasing new artists while seeking quality and difference in talent. While art was universal, he acknowledged visitors enjoyed seeing regional pieces.
Among its shows this year, the Margaret River gallery is presenting local, national and international artists, including Andy Ainsworth, Sam Broadhurst, Alice Linford Forte and Lauren Wilhelm from the region.
Looking ahead, Mr Churcher hoped it would become a cultural focal point.
“It’s user-friendly, different and shouldn’t be missed,” he said.
June 1, 2024