London Art Fair

BIG NEWS! The London Art Fair is returning for its 32nd year this coming January 2020 with more themes and artwork than ever before. Here you will discover museum-quality modern and contemporary art from the best galleries from around the globe with both experienced and aspiring collectors alike looking to acquire unique works. What we particularly love is that the focus is not just on renowned artists but emerging artists hoping to break new ground.

This year’s main focus is a collection of pieces that have been created using different textiles, ‘Photo50’ which highlights female photographers over 50, plus partners working with the fair.

Above: Clive Head, Cygnes Gris, 2016. Oil on Canvas. Courtesy of Waterhouse & Dodd.

Over 100 galleries from around the world are contributing to the 2020 London Art Fair with new exhibitors including Art Blue Studio (Singapore), DAM Gallery (Germany), Art Mûr (Canada) and many more…

Above: Mercedes Parodi, You Will Always Be. Water Sculpture ©  Mercedes Parodi

Another notable part of the exhibition not to miss is ‘Occupy the Void’ curated by writer, collector and gallerist Laura Noble (author of The Art Of Collecting Photography) which explores the vast pool of talented living female photographers over 50. Through the work of ten contemporary female artists working in the UK and internationally, the exhibition interrogates the physical, psychological and ephemeral nature of space and our experience of existing within it, both during our lives and after death. The exhibition is split into three key themes: how women occupy space; the psychological and personal view of space; and the notion of time and the abstract in space. Viewers will be taken on a personal, psychological and spiritual journey, and will be invited to reflect on their own lives and to challenge their perceived place within society.

Above: Wendy Aldiss. Dad as a child eating and reading. 2018. From the series ‘My Father’s Things’. Inkjet.

“ Occupy the Void is an exhibition about how we take up space, both literally and conceptually. A void is somewhere where we are put, relegated to or overlooked. Older women are frequently among those who feel that their voices are invisible – veritably placed into the void. I wanted to show the importance of those voices in the arts and, in particular, in the male-dominated area of photography.” All female and over 50, these artists explore how we take up space in their own unique way by reflecting on the past, facing the present and looking ahead to the future. This immense collection of female talent provides a powerful insight into a lesser-seen perspective, which we all hope will become the norm.”

– Curator of Occupy the Void, Laura Noble

Above: The Crescent Wing, 2009, Johnson © Ben Johnson. All rights reserved DACS, 2019

It’s also well worth noting that this year’s London Art Fair has partnered with Southampton City Art Gallery to present a selection of around 25 paintings and sculptures that demonstrate the strength of the city’s modern British and contemporary holdings. Founded in 1911 with a gift from Southampton Councillor Robert Chipperfield, and with a further bequest from Councillor Frederick William Smith in 1925, the collection today holds over 5,000 works covering six centuries of European art history and is considered one of the finest collections in the south of England. The collection continues to grow through acquisitions, gifts and donations and, although the Gallery has important holdings of pre-1900s painting, it is principally known for housing some of the finest British modern and contemporary works in the UK, including over 30 Turner Prize winners and nominees.

Above: Ray Richardson. Ready to Rumble. 1994. Oil on board. Courtesy of Christopher Kingzett Fine Art.

The Fair seeks to nurture collecting at all levels whilst providing expert insight into the changing international market. Sitting alongside the main Fair, curated sections feature the next generation of artists, collectives and gallerists; showcasing increasingly innovative and interactive ways to engage with art. The Fair’s strong gallery line up is also complemented by an extensive programme of engaging talks, panel discussions, interactive performance art, and onsite activations from the Fair’s partners.

Above: Vanessa Jackson. Tilt II. 2018. Screenprint. Courtesy of Advanced Graphics London.

Taking place from 22-26 January 2020, London Art Fair is an unmissable opening to the international art calendar next year. To purchase tickets and discover more about the fair (because we’ve barely scratched the surface), click here.

Images: Loading Timber at Southampton Docks, 1917, Nevinson © Southampton City Art Gallery. Clive Head, Cygnes Gris, 2016. Oil on Canvas. Courtesy of Waterhouse & Dodd. Mercedes Parodi, You Will Always Be. Water Sculpture ©  Mercedes Parodi. Wendy Aldiss. Dad as a child eating and reading. 2018. From the series ‘My Father’s Things’. Inkjet. The Crescent Wing, 2009, Johnson © Ben Johnson. All rights reserved DACS, 2019. Ray Richardson. Ready to Rumble. 1994. Oil on board. Courtesy of Christopher Kingzett Fine Art. Vanessa Jackson. Tilt II. 2018. Screenprint. Courtesy of Advanced Graphics London.