PINTA LONDON art fair

Pinta Art Show annually exhibits modern and contemporary artworks from Latin American artists in international settings. Based in New York City, the art fair also travels to London, allowing visitors, galleries, artists, collectors, curators, and cultural institutions to strengthen their existing knowledge and develop new connections with the Latin American art world.

Pinta features works by both emergent and established visual artists. Art pieces range in diversity from concrete, neo-concrete, and kinetic to conceptual and abstract. This year show takes place in Earls Court Exhibition Centre between 12 - 15 June.

To read more about pinta projects visit  PINTA PROJECTS 2014

If you are not sure if to attend this years show check out the programme here and remember there is only two days left! You can also see the list of the galleries taking part in this years art fair by clicking here. 

Museums and institutions that have participated in this programme include the Tate Modern (London); Centre Georges Pompidou (Paris); Centro de Arte Reina Sofia (Madrid); ESCALA (Essex Collection of Latin American Art) and MIMA (Middlesborough), amongst others.

The general admission is £15 but if you are a member @ Saatchi you will be happy to receive an email with complimentary TICKET !!

Enjoy the show!

ART BASEL Hong Kong

SO!

In two days time I should be in Hong Kong to participate in the newest and very exciting Art Basel show. Instead, I am sitting at home writing my dissertation. Oh well...

"Art Basel stages the world's premier Modern and contemporary art shows, held annually in Basel, Miami Beach, and Hong Kong. Founded by gallerists in 1970, Art Basel has been a driving force in supporting the role that galleries play in the nurturing of artists, and the development and promotion of visual arts. In 1970, a few Basel gallerists put their passion and determination behind an ambitious vision, and now, over forty years later, Art Basel is recognized as the premier international art show, providing a platform for artists and gallerists from around the world. " (Art Basel)

ART BASEL HISTORY TIMELINE

Why Hong Kong?

Hong Kong Art Basel, which begins Wednesday at the city's harbor front convention center, will this year bring together 245 participating galleries—half coming from Asia and Asia-Pacific.

"One of the biggest contributions that we're able to make is to raise the profile of Hong Kong above and beyond being a centre for finance and retail," Art Basel director for Asia Magnus Renfrew told AFP. "Because we are an event of this scale, we've really been able to help generate discussion around art in the city," he said, adding that he sees "huge" growth potential in the Asian art scene. 

"The art market tends to follow the money and the greatest creation of wealth at the moment is in Asia," Renfrew said. (GmaNews)

Kaputt, Maurizio Cattelan

" With half of the participating galleries coming from Asia and Asia-Pacific, Art Basel in Hong Kong assumes a significant role in the international artworld, providing a portal to the region's artists. The new show gives galleries from around the world a platform in Asia to demonstrate the way they work with artists, and bring their highest quality work to Hong Kong." (Art Basel Hong Kong) 

If you plan to visit this years show happening between May 15 -18, here is some information for visitors.

I am truly gutted that I had to cancel my trip overseas but will make sure to visit one of Art Basel shows in the near future.

Yayoi Kusama

NOW, back to my dissertation!

Thomas Woodham-Smith about MASTERPIECE

An early Q&A video introducing a unique showcase for the most covetable objects in the world: traditional and modern, old and new, from the finest of fine and decorative art to the best of wines, classic cars, jewellery and contemporary design. Find something to treasure at Masterpiece London. Thomas Woodham-Smith, a Founding Partner of Masterpiece London, answer to the ARTFINDING's exclusive interview about his vision of the fair and the global art market.                                                                                                                

Enjoy!

MASTERPIECE ART FAIR

"Masterpiece London, situated at the peak of the capital’s summer season, brings together patrons, collectors, curators and exhibitors from across the world in a display of art, antiques and design of the highest calibre." (Masterpiece Fair)

"Launched in 2010 Masterpiece immediately made an impression attracting many of the world’s top dealers beguiled by the fair’s unique combination of high-end art with luxury goods and a most opulent setting. (Master Art)

"Each day, exhibitors present insights into their given area of expertise. If your interests lie in antiquities or abstract art, decorative arts or jewels, Masterpiece London gives you the opportunity to get up close to some of the finest examples at the fair and to learn and acquire from the world’s leading luminaries." (Masterpiece Fair)

Launched in June 2010, Masterpiece London is a new fair that brings together the best of the best from around the world fusing the fine and decorative arts with premium collectors' items such as classic cars, fine wines and contemporary design.

To go to the Masterpiece London - the capital's premier fair for art, antiques and design Facebook page and stay updated about this years show click here.

"A five-day fair bringing together fine art, antiques and applied arts from collectors, exhibitors and curators around the world. The work on sale in the custom-built pavilion spans multiple disciplines and styles, mixing contemporary with antique and traditional with offbeat to ensure lots of interest for visitors." (Time Out)

Although this event is more exclusive it looks very interesting and still it's affordable at the price of £25 for a general admission ticket. To buy tickets for this year show happening between 26 JUNE - 2 JULY go to Masterpiece Art Fair website.

Watch an exclusive preview of Masterpiece Art Fair created for 2013 HERE

New Artist Fair London

"The New Artist Fair is the best value Art Fair in London which displays high quality artworks from emerging and recently established artists from around the world. We hold our exhibitions within an affordable, friendly gallery environment in Central London locations." (New Artist Fair)

The image on the left is created by one of this years artist, Jemimah Canegrati. To see the full interview with the artist about the love for art and what she will be showing at the fair click here.

This year New Artist Fair is happening between 5 - 7 September 2014 and it's FREE of charge!

"We hold our exhibitions within an affordable, friendly gallery environment in Central London locations. As an Artist-run organisation, the New Artist Fair gives Artists back the power over how their art is promoted and sold. We promote all Artists who are looking to cut out gallery level commission charges and sell their work directly to Art lovers, buyers, investors and collectors. Our goal is to make selling Artwork directly to people easier and more cost-effective for Artists and we promote a varied mixture of Artworks at prices ranging from £50 to £2000. We exhibit the highest quality, affordable Art to a wide range of buyers and encourage people to invest in Art while supporting new talented Artists." (Magenta Sky)

Submissions for Summer Exhibition in September 2014 are now open! 
To see this interesting video on art fairs in London and art market click here

THE OTHER ART FAIR

"The Other Art Fair was launched in November 2011 at the Bargehouse on the South Bank. Over three days, UK’s best eighty unrepresented artists were showcased to 4,300 visitors. This successful launch prompted an overwhelming response of over 400 artist applications for the following fair. 

Magaluf  by Dan Cimmermann

In order to accommodate such interest from artists and visitors, the fair moved to Ambika P3 in Marylebone. The three editions of the fair (May 2012, November 2012 and April 2013) have seen a continuation of the fantastic sales and opportunities generated at the inaugural edition. The fifth edition of The Other Art Fair took place at The Old Truman Brewery on 17-20 October 2013. Situated in the heart of London’s cultural East End, The Old Truman Brewery is a landmark arts venue and hosts a hive of creative businesses, galleries and events and provides the perfect new home for the fair during what is London’s most important and internationally renowned art week." (The Other Art Fair) This year The Other Art Fair just closed its doors yesterday. Again, it took place at Ambika P3 between 24- 27 April 2014. 

The April 2014 Artists

If you didn't have a chance to visit the show you will be pleased to know that you can have a look and purchase this years art works in The Other Art Fair online shop.

As the fair director Ryan Stanier describes, The Other Art Fair is a unique platform from which the artist can independently showcase their work: to gallerists, curators, critics and collectors. It is not only about selling artworks, these four days enable artists to launch their work in the contemporary art world, gauge the public’s response to their pieces and meet fellow artists for potential future collaborations. The fair is wide-reaching in its audience, attracting individuals who support artistic practice in other ways: advertising agencies, fashion designers and corporate companies looking to commission pieces. The Other Art Fair is unique in its approach to supporting artists. "In addition to the four days, we support them throughout the year by offering free seminars and workshops, the opportunity to sell online and connecting individuals with companies and associations." (The Other Art Fair)

For more information on the fair and idea behind it watch this short interview from last year with the director of The Other Art Fair, Ryan Stanier.

London Frieze Art Fair

London Frieze Art Fair is world’s leading contemporary art fair, which takes place every October in the picturesque Regents Park surroundings. Festival was established in 2003 by Amanda Sharp and Matthew Slotover, the funders and publishers of “frieze” contemporary art magazine. The fair started as annual “celebration of internationalism and cultural tolerance” (ArtNet, 2004) attracting more than 27,000 visitors during its first opening. The Fair quickly gained the interest of those in professional art business as well as culturally driven audience, becoming financially secured and establishing its place in contemporary art market. In only ten years from its first opening Frieze Art Fair became one of the most prestigious and competitive fairs with hundreds of galleries to exhibit each year. In 2013, due to the popularity of Frieze, management decided to reduce capacity as well as number of available tickets which for the first time in the history of the fair sold out every day. Frieze London is a major competitor to other London based art fairs. With its sophisticated design, attractive and accessible location, top galleries on the list of exhibitors and with its unique experience Frieze London is impregnable. In 2012 Frieze expanded its brand by opening two new festivals: Frieze Masters, based alongside Frieze London and Frieze New York. Both fairs since their opening have gained positive and successful reviews.

Frieze London is a five day celebration of art, music, film and talks, which takes place every October in Regent’s Park. Initially staged for purely commercial reasons, soon became London’s biggest cultural attraction. The Fair is not only constructed and adapted for the benefits of the galleries, artists, curators but it also meets the needs of the general public, providing divers cultural experience.  The exhibition consists of three sections: main, Focus and Live, designed for commercial and young galleries and also installation and performance artists. Each year Frieze tries to adapt new strategies to differentiate its offering from other art fairs. In the experience driven economy in order to sustain growth and profitability, brands such as Frieze had to add new economic value to its enterprise.  The programmes of Frieze Art Far as well as Frieze Masters are designed to satisfy desires of “Creative Class” which demands “more active, authentic and participatory experiences” ( Pine and Gilmore, 2007). Each year Frieze invites to collaborations new architects, artist and managers to create, every time something novel. New site, new project, new design, fresh perspectives. 

Frieze Foundation, non-profit organisation found in 2003 is responsible for creating Frieze programme. Each year programme includes:

Frieze Projects

Frieze Film 

Frieze Music

Frieze Talks 

This diverse programme of the festival is build-up of tours, lectures, film projects many of which are interactive; cooperation with outer venues around London; educational discussions; music concerts and artists commissions. In 2013 Frieze Foundation added to the programme The Temple of Play   which is set of cultural activities created for kids and their families. In the same year, organisers of Frieze London have announced cut of tickets on sale by 25% so the venue can stay less crowded, be more authentic and clearer thus creating more commerce driven environment.  The sculpture park, situated outside the main entrance is an important part of Frieze Festival as gives a chance for those who haven’t purchase the ticket to enjoy contemporary art in a beautiful surroundings of  Regent’s Park. It also attracts and tempts passers to join this cultural festival. During the Frieze, visitors have a chance to taste different cousins, sit in specially design restaurants and cafes with an amazing view on the park,  all to create an unique  festival experiences . 

Frieze Art Fair with all its offerings does not belong to low cost fairs. The ticket prices range from £32 (ArtFund, 2013) and above. This can cause exclusion of certain groups of visitors, such as low income people, students or those traveling from far. Nevertheless, Frieze Art Fair does not state in none of its publication that is an affordable or low cost event. On the other hand, Frieze Art Fair is design with precision and taste for everyone who loves and appreciates art. Its moderate and sophisticated design together with high ticket price may be a repulsive factor, but for many cultural tourists it’s a place to be.  

AFFORDABLE ART FAIR

A short video introducing Will Ramsay, the founder of Affordable Art Fair in London and the idea behind it.

This particular art fair goes back to the beginnings of 1996, when Will Ramsay opened Art Warehouse in southwest London to bridge the increasing interest in contemporary art and the London gallery scene. Three years later the Affordable Art Fair was born. 

"Now up to 22,000 people come to each London fair to enjoy the art exhibited by the 120 British and international galleries. In the same year he established a fair in the West Country; the Bristol fair in May is now very popular attracting around 7,000 visitors over three days. Today, Will’s Art Warehouse still stands and the Affordable Art Fair has become something of a global phenomenon. The success of the British fairs encouraged Will to explore other markets and the Affordable Art Fair now takes place in cities including Amsterdam, Brussels, New York, Milan, Singapore, Hamburg, Mexico City, Seattle, Stockholm, Hong Kong and Maastricht. Globally, over 1.4 million people have visited an Affordable Art Fair, buying over £203 million worth of art."(Affordable Art Fair)

The Affordable Art Fair is a unique, really great concept mixing business with culture and tourism in which you can see and buy thousands of art works in an accessible and inspiring environment. Paintings and prints, sculptures and photography, an original work of diverse art by an upcoming talent or an established artist from around the world. In a short matter of time through its popularity and success  it has become globally recognisable and this year its held twice in London; Hampstead Heath, 12-15 June and Battersea 23-26 October 2014. For the details check out the website.

What's also worth to mention is the PULSE art fair that Will Ramsay created in 2005 held annually in New York and Miami. "PULSE combines thoughtfully curated exhibitions with an evolving series of programming, which reflects the fair’s commitment to making the visitor experience a dynamic one." (PULSE, New York)

It is a revitalised platform for the discovery of contemporary art and an exchange of ideas from pioneering and seasoned artists happening 8-11 May this year!

LONDON ORIGINAL PRINT FAIR 24 - 27 April' 14

London's longest-running art fair returns for its 29th year at the Royal Academy!

"With some 50 international exhibitors, the four-day show offers a wonderful opportunity to see and buy original prints, from the earliest Renaissance woodcuts to the latest editions by contemporary masters. Showcasing galleries, dealers and print publishers from across the UK, Europe and USA, LOPF is the perfect place to engage with experts and artists. This year to coincide with Renaissance Impressions in The Sackler Wing of Galleries, a number of old master exhibitors at LOPF feature chiaroscuro woodcuts on their stands. All prints are for sale, by artists such as Rembrandt, Goya and Picasso to Francis Bacon, David Hockney RA and Grayson Perry RA." (Royal Academy)

Here is the link to the website where Helen Rosslyn, Director of the London Original Print Fair, explains the concept of an original print ☛ Making a mark: #PrintMonth at the RA

London Original Print Fair is an amazing opportunity for art lovers to participate in such exciting event, a special occasion to see/ purchase original works of great artists, featuring an exciting programme of artists’ talks and demonstrations. Again, it has a huge impact on arts industry and UK's tourism, bringing people from all over the wold, engaging known galleries such as White Cube in 2013 and welcoming emerging talents internationally. This year looks promising with talks, just to name few; Experimentations in Chiaroscuro : Beccafumi’s Prints, Oil Sketches and Marble Intarsia, Introducing 'Dream, Draw, Work'- Curator’s Talk and evening event, Short Stories with Tim Winton.

If you are feeling lucky go to ☛ Competition ArtFund,

Five pairs of tickets to give away, plus an exclusive talk and tour of the Fair with Anne Desmet RA. It closes in 2 days, hurry up! 

If this is not convincing you to participate in this years print fair take a tour here ➳ THE LONDON ORIGINAL PRINT FAIR: INTELLIGENT COLLECTING

I am recently drawn into Yayoi Kusama work. Here is one of the prints that was available to buy in April 2012.

Pumpkin and Fruits, 1993 screen-print 33.2 x 42.6 cm

Hope to see you there! 

ART 14 - tourism and cultural exchange

Art industry is fast growing and dynamic field that is expanding globally and internationally involving countries from all over the world, allowing them to share their culture and introduce to their world of art. Thus the art festivals and events are always surprising, exciting and memorable experience to all involved. Having attended this year's Art 14 Festival I will try to tick how important it is to expand globally with art fairs and festivals, giving the opportunity for diverse galleries to become recognisable and artists appreciated not only in their own region but also around the world. 

Art 14 London festival was a global art fair introducing over 700 artists; emerging talents as well as modern masters, 180 galleries and 24 projects from 40 countries. Art 14 can be classified as hallmark event since it has been staged, so far twice with the debut show in 2013. "The inaugural edition of the fair in 2013, attracted 25,000 visitors, including 4,500 VIPs. It was a success with critics, galleries, collectors and art fans alike, with Wallpaper praising the fair’s ‘impressive scope‘, while the Financial Times reported on Art13 London’s ‘refreshingly different‘ approach." (Factum Gallery)

The fair presented works from across the globe; including Berlin, Havana, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Indonesia, Taiwan, Mali, Lithuania, London and Lagos. The fair featured a wide variety of media, including painting, sculpture, photography and editions, ranging from £500 to £500,000 intended for the art collectors, art lovers or people looking to make the first purchase, there was truly something for everyone. As well as all the art, there were events, art talks and activities to enjoy during the show. (Olympia)

The aim of the event was "to rebalance the western hegemony and to show galleries from all over the world on an even playing field: we think all countries are equally important – even if the work is less familiar.” (The Telegraph) The Art 14 London is a fairly new event in the industry. Art 13 hosted the same time last year achieved positive feedback and has been called a new and exciting event and has raised by 20% in visitor numbers this year. Such events are needed in arts industry to prove that not only art, which is established, approved and widely known is valuable. To show that there is a space, appreciation and demand for an exchange of all sorts of art, unknown and international, creating a new link into events tourism in England and overseas. The event has been established on a "strong believe in the need to create a dedicated platform for art from across all corners of the globe, in a dialogue with each other and the visitor, to ensure an experience of the very best of modern and contemporary art for a broad audience."(Visit to Art14)

The main idea of the festival was to bring together international art galleries from across the world and introduce emerging talents from their areas as well as globally appreciated and recognized artists. The core value of the event was the diversity of art shown, cultures mixing and opening the new possibilities in arts and events tourism for young galleries as well as the once worldly famous. It can be notice by the successes both in last year and in this year how valuable Art 14 has become. "Art14 is a young fair held at a relatively quiet time for the European international fairs calendar. It was buzzing with people including just about every important London collector, under the sun. This fair seemed popular and will find the correct balance of galleries through natural selection, dictated by the weak galleries not returning." (Artlyst) The festival allowed for the galleries around the world to exchange, inspire and share with culture and creativity but mainly can continue to contribute to the growth of event tourism in UK, locally and globally.

click here for video ↬ Art14 London First Night