Studio Lenca Insider Guide to Margate
Studio Lenca, the artistic identity of Jose Campos, has gained significant recognition for its impactful work that bridges personal narrative with broader cultural and social themes. Based in Margate, Campos's journey from El Salvador to the UK, navigating the challenges of being undocumented in the US and eventually finding a voice through art, forms the bedrock of his creative expression.
His work, often a reflection on his Salvadoran heritage and experiences as an immigrant, employs various mediums including performance, video, painting, and sculpture. Campos's series "Los Historiantes" stands out, featuring photographic portraits that feel performative, drawing on elements from West African and Muslim cultures alongside his own Salvadoran roots, to speak on shared histories of colonization.
A notable aspect of Studio Lenca's work is its emphasis on visibility and empowerment, particularly for the Latinx community. Through his art, Campos challenges narratives surrounding Latinx identities, creating bold and powerful figures that demand space and recognition. This aspect of his work resonated deeply during a solo exhibition at Soho Revue, organized in collaboration with Charlie Siddick and Purslane, showcasing his commitment to telling stories that affirm Latinx presence and resilience.
Campos's story and his art underscore the importance of visibility, community, and the power of personal narrative in challenging societal norms and stereotypes. Through Studio Lenca, Campos not only shares his journey but also fosters connections and conversations around identity, migration, and belonging.
Discover Margate's Hidden Gems with Jose Campos of Studio Lenca
L' Absurde
My friends Kristin and Nicolas have put so much love and care into their store L'absurde. Entering the store is like stepping into a different world, everything is just so beautiful. They have a great eye and hand pick every item. They sell fragrances and incense that are perfect for the studio.
TKE Studios
I’m now based at Tracey Emin’s TKE Studios. This building is incredible- it’s a bathhouse that has been renovated to create beautiful light filled studios. I have a permanent space but there’s also a residency programme. We have a great public programme of exhibitions from current studio holders and guest artists. Being part of this community has been transformative for me. I’m surrounded by artists from all over the world in a space where we can all flourish.
ASOBI Store
My friends Joe and Sarah have opened this really great store in Margate’s old town. They are incredible designers and they curate their own work alongside carefully curated design pieces. I love how they both use colour- it’s such a breath of fresh air on a grey winter’s day in Margate.
Arts Education exchange
Arts Education Exchange is a charity based in Margate that provides creative education, training and employment for young people. Before painting full time I worked as an Art Teacher in secondary schools and I was lucky enough to work here as well. They provide a really valuable service for unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people, providing them with ESOL lessons. As someone who arrived in the US with no English I understand how valuable this is. They use the creative arts as a vehicle to give young people confidence- they do such amazing work.
Walpole Bay Tidal Pool
Walpole Bay Tidal is an iconic Margate landmark. It was originally built in the 1930s and is said to be the biggest tidal pool in the UK. I’m not brave enough to swim year round but in the summer I love to go for an early morning dip before heading to the studio. The colour of the water in the right light can be so incredible, like a bright topaz blue. On a summer evening it’s great to meet friends for a drink and a bbq- we all bring our dogs!
Northdown Road Bargain Stores
Northdown Road is an amazing high street that runs right through Cliftonville where I live. It’s a really diverse community. I love to explore the bargain shops where I find so much inspiration for my work. Two highlights are Mainsale and Poundplanet. The objects in these stores come from all over the world and somehow remind me of home in El Salvador. I find the layering and jostling together really inspiring. I spend hours chatting to the people that work there and checking out new plastic manteles (table cloths) or brightly covered fleece cobijas.