Taula

BarcelonaGalleryArchitecture | Art | Theory

25 Feb

Vanessa and Delfina, please introduce yourself:

We are Vanessa Thuille and Delfina Gorelik, creative directors and co-founders of Taula Studio Gallery, a collaborative space for artists and creatives in Barcelona.

Beginnings of Taula, July ´24, Ph: @paula_illescas_

#1 You founded Taula, a space for artists and creatives. Could you tell us more about it and what you offer and initiate there?

We had been dreaming of having a space for quite some time, a place where we could create and connect. Finally, in September 2024, we officially opened Taula as a studio-gallery, with the vision of offering a platform for creatives and artists. The initial idea was to bring together different artistic and creative disciplines under one roof, fostering collaboration and synergy between them. At the same time, since we both have our own ongoing projects and daily work, our goal was to create a space - not just physically, but also mentally - where we could explore our creativity and passions freely.

Today, Taula is a living space, a platform where artists and creatives come together, share their passions, and bring ideas and dream projects to life. The space spans about 200 square meters, with one section dedicated to what we call our “studio”, essentially a small co-working space for creatives. We intentionally kept the rest of the space open and adaptable, allowing it to serve as a blank canvas for various activities, events, exhibitions, and more. Everyone who is part of the Taula Studio has full flexibility to use and shape the space as they need, making it a true playground for creativity.

#2 The name 'Taula' comes from the Catalan word for 'table.' What significance does this have for you and the activities you envision taking place there?

For us, the table has always been symbolic in many ways. It’s where we gather, work, create, share, eat, think, and reflect, whether with others or even alone. When we first started envisioning Taula, we always saw it as more than just a physical space; we wanted to create a platform where artists and creatives feel welcome and inspired, where connections naturally form, and where we can all explore and grow together. In that sense, Taula is like a big table.

Our vision has always been to create a space that feels both open and human. Taula is an ongoing “work in progress,” constantly evolving with the people who walk through its doors and become part of this community. Our dream is to build a community in Barcelona where design and the arts coexist with warmth, closeness, and a sense of belonging. We want Taula to be more of a gallery where people feel like home.

Taula Studio Gallery, Ph: @vanessathuille

#3 What are your personal backgrounds, and how did they bring you together to create Taula?

Delfina: I’m an industrial designer by profession and have been running La Base Studio, a furniture and architecture studio in Buenos Aires, for 15 years. Five years ago, I became a partner in the company, taking on the role of creative director while also managing commercial operations for the U.S. and European markets. Around three years ago, I brought the furniture studio to Barcelona, expanding its reach and creative opportunities.

Vanessa: For over 10 years, I’ve worked in communications and marketing, primarily in the sustainable fashion industry. I’ve always been passionate about photography, design, and architecture, and a few years ago, I took the leap into freelancing to focus on projects I truly love. Today, I work as a brand strategist and photographer for design, lifestyle, and fashion brands, and I’m about to launch my first independent brand (silver jewelry).

When we first met in Barcelona a few years ago, we instantly connected over our shared passions for design, art, and food. Within just a few weeks, we realized how well we understood each other. We shared similar values, a strong creative drive, and the energy to build something meaningful. After traveling to the design weeks in Milan and Copenhagen last year, we started dreaming of having a space of our own, a place where we could create and bring ideas to life.

So when the opportunity to open Taula came along, it felt like a natural step. Our backgrounds complemented each other perfectly, different strengths, the same vision, making it easy to work as a team and build something special together.

Taula x @mark_bohle: ´The Wonky Tales of Goofy Castle´, Ph: @vanessathuille

#4 Taula provides creatives and artists with a space to showcase their work. What role does the space itself play in this? How did you choose the location?

The space itself is incredibly flexible, it actually almost never looks the same. We love adapting it constantly to meet the specific needs of each moment. This fluidity is also reflected in how we showcase the work of creatives and artists. We love that the space can be transformed to immerse visitors in the artist’s world, ensuring that the atmosphere aligns with the emotions and messages they want to convey.

Beyond just providing the space, we also take on the role of curators and producers, actively shaping each exhibition from concept to execution. We’re deeply involved in exhibition design, ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully considered. For us, Taula is a space for creativity and play, and exhibitions are one of the ways we fully explore its potential, turning it into a big creative playground.

As for the location, it already existed in a way. Delfina had been sharing the space for nearly two years with her furniture design studio, La Base Studio, and another company. When the other company moved out, the space naturally became available for new projects. It felt like the perfect opportunity to finally bring our dream to life, so we took the leap and made Taula a reality.

#5 Could you tell us about your recent exhibition 'Object Space Space Object' in collaboration with Aash? What is it about, and how did the collaboration come about?

The idea for the exhibition initially grew out of our friendship with Aash. We’ve always admired her incredible talent, her vision, and her natural ability to connect people. It’s exactly the kind of energy we love fostering at Taula. One day, we simply asked if she’d like to collaborate on an exhibition with us, and from there, everything unfolded naturally. Our shared passion for objects and spaces made it easy to develop the concept, and that’s how OBJECT SPACE SPACE OBJECT was born.

Staying true to Taula’s mission as a platform for artists and creatives, we wanted to provide visibility to the immense talent around us. Aash did an amazing job curating the exhibition, bringing together 40 emerging designers and artists, with over 70 pieces in total.

At its core, OBJECT SPACE SPACE OBJECT is a personal reflection by Aash, exploring the dynamic relationship between objects and spaces, something she navigates daily in her work as an interior designer. The exhibition was structured around five key living spaces: Atelier, Living Room, Dining Room, Bedroom, and Kitchen. It’s a reflection on how spaces shape objects and, in turn, how objects influence the atmosphere of a space. Each setting created a unique dialogue between design and daily life.

Taula x @aasheenm: ´Objects Space, Space Object `, 6 and 11 (event pictures), Ph: @35mmsophie

#6 Is there an upcoming project you’re particularly excited about? And what are your plans for the near future?

Right now, we’re collaborating with Creative Director María Baños from Art Studies on a small intervention for a beautiful exhibition set to take place at Vasto Gallery in March. At the same time, Vanessa is preparing to launch her jewelry brand, which is an exciting new chapter.

At Taula, we’re currently in conversation with different artists, exploring potential projects that we’re really excited about. Once everything is officially confirmed, we’ll be sharing the news on our social media.

But in general, we love letting things unfold naturally, following the connections we create along the way. We’re constantly inspired by the people around us, and whenever we find someone whose work resonates with us, we’re eager to collaborate and see where it takes us. That’s exactly what happened with our last exhibition with Aash. Looking ahead, we’re excited to explore new dimensions of art and design through Taula and to continue building a strong creative community.

#7 How do you see the role of an architect in today’s society?

Architecture is everywhere. It shapes how we live, move, and interact. We live in it on different levels: from the home we live in, to the cities we walk through and the spaces we inhabit. It’s something we use daily, but also something we admire.

Today, architects play a key role in shaping the future of our society. More than ever, they need to respond to current challenges with creativity and responsibility, designing spaces that are functional, sustainable, and connected to the way people truly live.

#8 How does your environment influence your work?

We love what we do, so everything around us naturally feeds into our work. We’re constantly surrounded by design, art, and gastronomy. We feel very lucky to say that the creative world is part of our everyday life. We enjoy connecting with people where there’s real synergy, where we can learn from each other and be inspired. Those connections fuel our creativity and shape everything we create.

#9 Three things that inspire you at the moment?

Delfina:

I'm a huge fan of spaces and how we inhabit them, of those everyday moments that happen at home and in our routines. I have this kind of fetish for objects, especially kitchen tools and tableware.

We always say that Taula isn’t just our workspace, it’s like our second home, and we want everyone who comes to feel the same way.

I'm inspired by Japanese culture and traditions, and recently I've become obsessed with watching videos of their morning routines. I'm fascinated by their kitchens and every little thing in them. The way they take care of the details, the silences, the time they dedicate to the simplest daily things. Their dedication to tradition and craftsmanship is incredible and really inspires me. It’s all about finding small pleasures in the daily basics and simple actions.

Vanessa:

1- Human connection and the people around me. I love seeing people being passionate about something and how they grow and evolve through personal projects. I feel like there’s so much talent and when I’m together with friends who are doing amazing things, I feel truly motivated and inspired, too.

2- Houses, spaces, objects. Especially when it comes to intimacy and personal spaces or objects. I’ve always felt curious about how people live when they are not in public, I think that somehow their personal spaces are a raw extension of their personalities.

3- This might sound unexpected, but lately I really fell in love with road cycling. Especially since we started Taula, life’s been a bit more hectic, and cycling in the mountains around Barcelona or along the coast helps me to disconnect from never-ending to do lists. I love those

#10 What do you currently read, watch, listen to?

Delfina: A book, Agua y Jabón de Marta Riezu. A film, Columbus de Kogonada. An album, Lady in Satin de Billie Holiday.

Vanessa: Read: Narziß und Goldmund by Hermann Hesse / Watch: The documentary of Oscar Niemeyer “Life is a Breath” / Listen: “O Quereres” by Caetano Veloso