Tag Archives: Exhibition

The Affordable Art Fair Returns To Battersea

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katemossKate Moss, Watercolours on paper, 53x38cm by Cate Parr

£1,950 at SD Gallery

The Affordable Art Fair returns to the Battersea Evolution building in Battersea Park from 7 – 10 March, and they are giving people a chance to Sleep Now, Buy Later…

– Art lovers given chance to sleep on decision before purchase –

In a consumer shopping first, one lucky visitor to the Affordable Art Fair this month will be given the opportunity to ‘sleep with’ their prospective art purchase in order to make a fresh and considered decision after a good night’s rest.

Fair organisers hope to put more first time buyers at ease with the one off concept which will be trialled with a single lucky winner at the Battersea Park event. The idea came as a result of research* which found that nearly half (47 per cent) of people found it helpful to sleep on a decision when making a purchase for the home.

Over half of Brits (51 per cent) admitted to taking up to 24 hours to make a decision when buying a piece of art.

The public can enter to win the chance to ‘sleep before they buy’ by tweeting the hashtag #sleeponit by no later than midday on Wednesday 6 March.

The lucky winner will be notified on Thursday 7 March and invited to attend the fair on the day of their choosing, select their prospective piece of art to sleep with for the night to allow them some time to relax and consider their chosen work.

To announce the initiative, the Affordable Art Fair has created an original image, inspired by a famous installation shown at the Tate, to demonstrate what the winner will experience.

Nicky Wheeler, Fair Director of the Affordable Art Fair Battersea said “We’ve had so many comments from visitors over the years who have found a piece of art they like but are reluctant to make such an important decision on the spot. Often customers fall in love with a piece at first sight but sometimes thinking time can help in making the right decision – one person will be given this chance at the Affordable Art Fair next week.”

The Affordable Art Fair is the UK’s friendliest and most welcoming art fair, well-loved for its informal and un-stuffy atmosphere. With over 100 galleries exhibiting art priced from £40 – £4,000, the fair runs at the Battersea Evolution building in Battersea Park from 7 – 10 March.

Yasmin Müller, Copia : Modern disbelief

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Yasmin Müller

Copia : Modern disbelief

Exhibition dates: 5th October – 10th November, 2012
Opening hours: Tue – Fri 11-6, Sat 11-3 or by appointment

Maria Stenfors is proud to present ‘Copia: Modern disbelief’, Yasmin Müller’s second solo presentation at the gallery. The installation is embodied in the title word copia, meaning a mass, copiousness, and also a wealth of knowledge and ideas.

Like an expanse of open ocean, constantly shifting in shape and unquantifiable, multiple abstract light patterns fill the volume of the room, continuously moving focus from artwork to room. A confusing and disorientating space, that is darkened and unknown, illuminated in passing moments. These light shapes create an endless moving mass, a copious pattern that conducts the perception.

Central in the space are two geometrically shaped sculptures, erected like columns. These columns and piercings of light are Müller’s reconfiguration of razzle dazzle, a pattern created by Norman Wilkinson and utilised by 20th century warfare engineering. Designed not so much to camouflage but to disorientate, it blurs the perception of depth, contour and edge. it doesn’t hide, but is more of a visual disruption, making it impossible to estimate size and shape.

Placed throughout the installation are objects of pictorial chaos plucked from the everyday images of modern life and cultural trends, copies of copies, an evolution of the original, and all framed and constrained by hard minimalist shapes: exquisitely angled diamonds and sharp edged lightboxes. Familiar patterns merge with common place fashion styles confined by geometrically perfect dimensions, as seen in the clothing of the figurative lightbox images, and visual emblems like the parrot, featured on multiple canvases, each copy being an evolution, a mutation of the former, allowing the copy to perhaps stand stronger than the original.

Yasmin Muller was born in 1977, studied at the Staatliche Akademie der bildenden Künste Karlsruhe, and lives and works in Berlin.

Maria Stenfors, Unit 10, 21 Wren Street, London WC1 0HF

London Fashion Week – Exhibition S/S’ 2013

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This was my first time at London Fashion Week, so I was excited when I got the chance between shows to walk around Somerset House, and have a look at the exhibition rooms.

After hearing that Minnie Mouse was this year’s fashion muse, I headed straight to the ‘Inspired by Minnie Mouse’ collection. Growing up most girls love Minnie (I definitely did!) and this collection embraces both the fashionable side and the young girlish persona of the character.

The collection is comprised of bespoke dresses and lots of accessories, made by the few handpicked international designers. I must admit that I absolutely adored Lulu Guinness’s take on creating a ‘must have’ Minnie piece. Lulu designed a purse and handbag and the lipstick detailing on the zipper made it that extra bit special, I think Minnie would approve! Below are my photographs of the collection, my standout dress has to be by Giles Deacon, the prom style silhouette and red polka dot aspects make it a perfect Minnie Mouse dress.

 

 

I also walked into my idea of heaven the Atelier Swarovski Collection exhibiton. The S/S 2013 collection is collaboration with different designers from jewellery and product designer Stefano Poletti to shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood. Each designer took Swarovski’s crystals and used them in very different ways. My favourite collaborations were Vanessa Seward who is an Argentine Fashion designer, she says of her designs that they were inspired by ‘the kind of ethnic necklaces chic Parisian boho women use’. Take a look at her pieces below…

 

Also Nicholas Kirkwood’s collection combines Swarovski with pearls and enamel. His designs are something unique and modern, definitely take a look at the whole collection.

www.atelierswarovski.com

Whilst roaming around Somerset House I came across Topshop’s poster range and some new designers who I found particularly interesting take a look at the photos below. The chance to walk around and look at the exhibitions was a highlight of my LFW experience it unveiled to me some designers I had never heard of before and lots of stunning jewellery!

 

Emma Roberts in Space

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Check out this cool photo of Emma Robert, niece of Julia. The shot below of Emma Roberts was taken by Tyler Shields using no photo shop at a secret location in Hollywood. It’s part of the two exhibitions in Moscow for Tyler Shields this week – the first, sponsored by Jaguar and with Hello! and GQ as media partner, on the exclusive Stoleshnikov Lane (equivalent of Rodeo Drive or New Bond Street), and the second at one of Moscow’s most stunning Galleries – Photohub Manometr.

You don’t have to be alone to have space all the freedom you will ever need exists in you’re mind!

COWLEY MANOR & COUTTS TO CREATE SCULPTURE AWARD WITH THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART

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COWLEY MANOR & COUTTS PARTNER TO CREATE SCULPTURE AWARD WITH THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART

Sculpture exhibition open to public: 3 May to 30 September 2012

London: Cheltenham’s infamous Cowley Manor and Private Bank Coutts have partnered to create a unique and inspiring sculpture competition for post graduates from the Royal College of Art. Of the 27 submitted concepts, eight have been awarded funding to bring their designs to life. The sculptures will then go on to be displayed at Cowley Manor from 3rd May through to 30 September, with the winning sculpture taking up permanent residence in the 55 acre grounds of the manors grade II listed gardens.

With an alumni boasting Tracey Emin, James Dyson, Philip Treacy and Erdem as well as David Hockney and Aston Martin designer Marek Reichman, the world-famous Royal College of Art’s post graduates are tipped for success. The winner of the award is being announced at an event to launch the exhibition in the grounds of Cowley Manor on 2nd May.

The sculptures, based on the brief: ‘Cowley Manor and its rich history, grounds and reputed contemporary design’ in the exhibition include:

o Ben Fowlers – 8ft tall wire ‘Tornado’;
o Claire Poulter – Underwater Mirrored balls;
o Cradeaux Alexander – garden plaques with a twist;
o Emma Alonze – Carrot trousers cast in brass;
o Lauren Kelly – brightly coloured geometric sculptures;
o Lucy Tomlins – Concrete Country in Blue – 2.5 metre concrete stile;
o Wonwoo Lee – 3 metre steel sign interpretation titled ‘Hey’; and
o Zoe Paul – 2.4m wide Palace of Aegae sculpted rock.

The judging panel includes many art collectors, artists and entrepreneurs hand-selected by Cowley Manor and Coutts from across Gloucestershire. With many millions of people expected to descend on the UK over the summer for the Jubilee and Olympics, and many of these expected to visit the world-known beautiful British Cotswolds, the unique exhibition is the perfect day out or mini-break hotspot just 70 minutes out of London.

Christine Wadley, Client Partner for Coutts in Cheltenham commented: “Coutts has a long-standing history of championing the creative industries, and have looked after many clients from within the art and design world for many decades. Today we recognise and support British design excellent in order to aid growth and foster future British talent. This partnership with Cowley and the RCA is further evidence of that.”

Peter Frankopan, owner and founder of ‘A Curious Group of Hotels’ including Cowley Manor commented: “In its 10th year, Cowley Manor has long been in support of emerging British talent with many original works of art, textiles and bespoke furniture created by British artists, artisans and craftsman displayed throughout the manor and its 30 bedrooms. By partnering with Coutts, the future support and awareness of young artists trained at the Royal College of Art has been made possible.”

Steve Bunn, RCA Sculpture Tutor said: “Having the opportunity to work with Coutts and Cowley Manor on this exhibition has been a fantastic experience for our students. Site specific art like this is a great way to showcase the work of some very talented young artists.”

Hotel residents, restaurant guests and picnic-goers will be able to enjoy the exhibition at Cowley Manor, Cowley, Gloucestershire, GL53 9NL. Many of the pieces will be available for private sale with the proceeds going towards the young artists.

The exhibition, featuring all of the post graduate first and second year student submissions, will open on

Thursday 3 May and run through to 30 September.

#couttscowley

BAG A FUTURE MASTERPIECE FOR A BARGAIN!

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An incredible opportunity to buy affordable art specially chosen by experienced art critics
and be on TV

This is your chance to see and buy the work of some of the country’s best amateur and professional artists.  From thousands of applicants, the judges from the BBC2 TV series ‘Show Me the Monet’ have selected the very best artworks to appear in a one-off exhibition and sale that takes place in the capital next month (12-14 April 2012).

Hosted at the Mall Galleries, in London’s West End, the exhibition will showcase work from 36 specifically selected artists. The work includes photography, sculpture, ceramics and paintings and were chosen by the BBC2 Show me the Monet judges Charlotte Mullins, David Lee and Roy Bolton. These experienced art critics and connoisseurs have selected the very best artworks from thousands of entries to the popular TV series and amongst them could be a future masterpiece!

The exhibition will take place on Thursday 12th April from 10am – 6pm, Friday 13th April from 10am to 5pm and Saturday 14th April from 10am – 6pm. With the huge increase in the interest in affordable art, this is the perfect opportunity to get involved and with guide prices starting at around £300, you could bag yourself a bargain.

On Thursday 12th and Friday 13th April you can buy any of the work on show by sealed bid. This means that no-one will know what anyone has bid until the big reveal to the artists on Saturday 14th. Buyers may offer more or less than the guide price and the highest offer above the guide will automatically win the work. If no offers come in above the guide price then the artist will decide whether they still wish to sell their work to the highest bidder.

Be on TV! On Saturday 14th April from 10am-6pm, Show Me the Monet presenter, Chris Hollins (BBC Breakfast, Cash in the Attic, Watchdog), will reveal to artists whether or not their art has sold and if so, for how much.   This will be filmed for inclusion in the series so come along and be part of the action as Chris reveals the news (whether it is good or bad!) to the artists.  Please note that it will not be possible to bid to buy any artwork on the Saturday.

Numbers are limited for the filming on Saturday 14th so two hour entry slots must be pre-booked.  Please email us with your preferred entry time: 10am, 12 noon, 2pm or 4pm and include your name and telephone number. 

Email: exhibition@luckydaytv.co.uk (maximum 4 tickets per person).
Venue:  The Mall Galleries, The Mall, London, SW1 (near Admiralty Arch)
When:
Thursday 12th April 2012, 10am – 6pm, NO TICKET REQUIRED
Friday 13th April 2012, 10am – 5pm, NO TICKET REQUIRED
Saturday 14th April 2012, 10am – 6pm, PRE-BOOK BY EMAIL

ADMISSION IS FREE ON ALL DAYS

We Face Forward: Art from West Africa Today

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We Face Forward: Art from West Africa Today

Manchester celebrates London 2012 Festival

2 June to 16 September 2012

· City-wide exhibition of leading contemporary artists from West Africa

· Major new installations commissioned for galleries and parks

· Concerts with many world-renowned musicians, including AfroCubism

· Further exhibitions of fashion, photography, football and storytelling

· African art bus to tour creative activities around Greater Manchester

We Face Forward is a season of contemporary art and music from West Africa, celebrated across Manchester’s galleries, museums, music venues and public spaces, from 2 June to 16 September as part of London 2012 Festival.

The exhibitions, concerts, events and community activities recognise both the historic and contemporary links between Manchester and the various countries that make up West Africa. They will explore ideas of economic and cultural exchange, environment and sustainability, and the place of tradition in contemporary culture.

The core of the season is a city-wide exhibition of contemporary art from the region, the first major collaboration between Manchester Art Gallery, Whitworth Art Gallery and Gallery of Costume, Platt Hall. It will feature painting, photography, textiles, sculpture, video and sound work from a wide range of internationally acclaimed artists, including Georges Adéagbo, Meschac Gaba, Romuald Hazoumè and George Osodi. The exhibition will also be the first major display in the UK of work by emerging artists such as Lucy Azubuike, Emeka Ogboh, Charles Okereke, Nyani Quarmyne and Victoria Udondian.

New, large-scale installations have been commissioned from Barthélémy Toguo at Manchester Art Gallery, and from Pascale Marthine Tayou at Whitworth Art Gallery.

The Gallery of Costume will show work by three esteemed Malian photographers, Malick Sidibé, Abderramane Sakaly and Soungalo Malé, whose archives are being preserved by the National Museum of Mali. Their extraordinary studio and social portraits will be shown alongside West African dress from the gallery collection, photographs by Hamidou Maiga and contemporary fashion pieces from British-Nigerian designer Duro Oluwu.

A music programme, curated by Band on the Wall and The Manchester Museum, will feature world-renowned acts including: AfroCubism (the new international supergroup formed by Eliades Ochoa of Buena Vista Social Club and Toumani Diabaté); a multi-media concert by Niger supergroup The Endless Journey (Mamane Barka and Etran Finatawa); Angelique Kidjo; Jaliba Kuyateh; Kanda Bongo Man and many more to be confirmed. Taking place in music venues and galleries across the city, the season will open with AfroCubism at Bridgewater Hall on Sunday 3 June.

Exhibitions and events will also take place at The Manchester Museum and the National Football Museum. The city is hosting nine football matches during the 2012 Olympics and the National Football Museum will present African artists for whom football gives a means to explore protest, politics and social engagement.

The Manchester Museum is working with the African Caribbean Carers Group to present a re-interpretation of the Anansi spider stories using the Museum’s natural history and anthropology collections. The programme will be launched with Big Saturday: Manchester Anansi Spider on Saturday 2 June where the story will be performed by the Men’s Room community group, working in partnership with the Royal Exchange Theatre Company.

A summer-long creative programme will engage with a range of people right across Greater Manchester. Modelled on the highly decorated taxi-buses that ferry people across Dakar, Accra and Bamako, an art bus will take creative activities out beyond the participating galleries and parks to other locations across the city.

To draw the different locations together, artist Meschac Gaba has been commissioned to design an artwork which incorporates the flags of all the West African nations. This colourful motif will be on display at participating galleries and venues.

The title for the season is taken from a speech by Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, made in 1960. Stating his resistance to Cold War super powers, Nkrumah’s full quote is “We face neither East nor West: we face forward.” The festival takes its direction from Nkrumah’s statement of independence, deriving inspiration from his sense of West African cultural dynamism.

Dr Maria Balshaw, Director of Whitworth Art Gallery and Manchester City Galleries, said: “Manchester’s connections to West Africa are part of its industrial and trading history. This exhibition brings the dynamism of West African art today to Manchester, as the world comes to the UK for the Olympics.”

Ruth Mackenzie, Director, London 2012 Festival, said: “I am particularly delighted that this exceptional exhibition of art from West Africa will be part of the London 2012 Festival programme bringing once in a lifetime opportunities to experience culture to people across the north west.”

www.wefaceforward.org

Time Well Spent at Store Street

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Contemporary Printmaking: From Andy Warhol to the Emerging Generation

This exhibition by Orion Contemporary combines household names with Orion’s young, emerging stable of artists to promote printmaking as an art form and celebrate the importance of the medium.  To quote Andrés Olow Clase, director of Orion Contemporary: ‘From Andy Warhol’s exceptional print of 1974 to works made in 2012, the show explores the diverse vivacity and technical skill of printmaking.’  Following the inaugural exhibition in 2011, this year’s offering includes a variety of work by Lisa Denyer, Alexander Gough, Damien Hirst, David Hockney, Max Lowry, Dénes Maróti, Will Martyr, Andy Warhol and Giulia Zaniol.

I am not going to talk about the big names here; nobody needs me to tell them about the likes of Hockney or Hirst.  Instead, I would like to focus on some of the less well-known artists.

Alex Gough’s woodblock prints of Levi Mountain are influenced by his Finnish ancestry and are imbued with strong tonal contrasts, reflecting the twilight dancing on the snow, or the midnight hue as the mid-winter landscape melts into long dark nights.  Lisa Denyer’s ‘Range’ continues the mountain theme and uses a mystical combination of silver and black to engage the eye.  William Martyr’s art deco ‘Sweet Spot’ and ‘’Time Well Spent’ employs bright, vibrant colours to excite the viewer’s imagination.  Dénes Maróti pleasantly surprised me by his range: I was startled to discover that the bold, powerful images of repetitive figures were drawn by the same hand as the delicate flower prints.  Finally, Giulia Zaniol’s ‘Angels of London’ series uses a highly advanced two-plate technique of soft and hard ground, litho colours and spitbite to create images with deep and varied tonal harmony.  The combination of colours and images manages to be both haunting and calming at the same time.  Although chromatically I think the finest of the three pieces is ‘Parliament Angels,’ the image of the solitary seraph stood staring across the Thames at the distant ‘Tower Bridge’ will remain with me for some time.

Comtemporary Printmaking opens today at Store Street Gallery.  On the evening of 14th March, Gabriel Angel Moreno, will be reading a selection of his poetry written in response to the works in the exhibition, and Giulia Zaniol will lead an informal talk on the art of printmaking on Saturday 17th March at 4pm.

Contemporary Printmaking is at Store Street Gallery, 32 Store Street, WC1E 7BS.  Opening Times: 13th March – 17th March, 11am-6pm. 18th March, 11am-4pm.  Admission Free.