The Saatchi Gallery

I thought I'd talk about the Saatchi Gallery because, of those that I have seen, it has had the biggest impact on me. Now, this is a pretty poor statement coming from someone who claims to be an artist, but when I was told that my class was going there on a trip, I had no idea it even existed; unlike the Tate Modern of course, where everybody has head of it, even though, a lot of the stuff isn't even that good. Anyway, I'd heard of some of the artists exhibiting there so presumed it would be an alright trip so headed there with an open mind.

I turned out that it was brilliant! The pieces on show were so powerful alone, but exhibited together were awesome. It was interactive, as you could wander in between and around the pieces with masses of colour and texture all around. It made such a refreshing change to those many galleries where you watch group after group of visitors, standing in front of painting after painting, simply reading the information card next to it, looking at the piece with "a sudden understanding", nodding and moving to the next. Here, you wanted to get involved with the pieces, staring at the craftsmanship, and occasionally touching, when security wasn't looking of course.

I was completely hooked with a new outlook on art and where I wanted to go as an artist. Bit of a shame then when shortly after my visit it closed down after the fire in the storage warehouse destroyed many works in May 2004, and the court case of October 2005, putting the London shows on hold.

It is almost time though for the next Saatchi Gallery to open in its all new Chelsea home. Of course I can't wait to see it, but I also wonder whether it will feel the same as the original. The building itself, The Duke of York's HQ building, Kings Road, Chelsea, is pretty stunning with its architectural beauty. I can't help wondering though, if all of this new "posh"ness will take away some of the magic of the work. Hopefully not.

Until then, I will remain positive in my hope and very much look forward to visiting. This time though, I'm going to make sure I get one of those damn Saatchi Gallery t-shirts that I keep seeing on the arty Londoners that I wish I'd bought when I was there.