Article by Alice Bardos // Dec. 4, 2015
Taking place from January 20th to 24th, 2016, the London Art Fair focuses on intermingling the most impressive of British modern art works with cutting edge contemporary pieces. With a substantial incorporation of tours, talks, performances and film screenings, much of the content is presented in a critical tone and discusses imperative contemporary issues. Whether for the purpose of a cultivated dedication to collecting the finest works, or simply to enjoy drawing connections and conclusions amid such gripping art, viewers will be able to enjoy a variety of happenings and sights represented by London-based and international galleries.
Sarah Eyre: Penetralia, 2015, Photography // Courtesy of PAPER and London Art Fair
Of the three overarching programmes, perhaps the freshest and most engaging for viewers will be the segment entitled Art Projects. This eloquently curated programme will be arranged through newer – more fringe – galleries, and will display captivating contemporary works.
It has reached wide critical recognition over the past years stemming from its inclusion and examination of large-scale installations, a variety of exhibiting styles, as well as boundary-pushing experimental films. These thought-provokingly orchestrated displays provide a supportive and exploratory atmosphere for both emerging artists and budding art enthusiasts alike. A full list of participating galleries is available on the organization’s website.
Perhaps a more critical and political portion of the Art Projects lineup includes a set of programmes called Dialogues curated by Associate Curator of the Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art, Natasha Hoare. This year’s highly anticipated speakers include Simon Baker of the Tate, Martin Barnes of V&A Museum, Caroline Douglas of the Contemporary Art Society, Paul Hobson of Modern Art Oxford, and many more. Through international collaboration, the events promise to be both dynamic and inventive.
Riika Hyvonen, Various Works form Roller Derby Kisses, 2015, Acrylic and glitter on MDF and leather // Courtesy of XL Catlin Guide and London Art Fair
As a part of the Art Projects Film Programme, film screenings and performances will occur in a similar format to last year’s events. In 2015, the artistic selection was managed by Pryle Behrman in association with LIMA Amsterdam and was housed in a purpose-built screening room. Its underlying theme was the dynamics between cinema imagery, and other forms of media. This was embodied by performances such as Henry Braggs’ exuberant live interactive bingo game, staged in a reimagined glittering bingo hall – though this year’s lineup will undoubtedly match last year’s level of excitement and insightfulness. This year, video highlights will include Open Gallery (London), which will present Jasmina Metwaly’s ‘Remarks on Medan’, a series of 12 video paintings filmed in 2011 capturing Tahrir Square, Egypt – famously associated with that year’s Egyptian Revolution.
This year London Art Fair is partnering with Furtherfield to present ‘play art data money’, a collaborative artwork intended to build a communal prediction for the future art world economy. The activities interactively link together drawing, the audience, and gaming. The three-year long programme invited people to take the creative challenge to discover new ways to devise plans for how cryptocurrencies and big data might benefit humanity.
If you can’t make it to any of the aforementioned events, then the Thursday Late portion of Art Projects might just be a better fit. This segment takes place on Thursday January 21, and will encompass talks, tours, and performances running until 9:00 pm. This program is put on in association with Nastro Azzurro and includes events such as Harold Offeh’s Choreograph Me. In this project, Offeh entices audience members by inviting them to join him through movement, or even direct the performance itself. Though the rest of the schedule for this portion is not set yet, it will be announced in early December, or can be accessed via a subscription.
Many more opportunities to explore the artists, collaborators and venues for the upcoming events are available online. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to personalize experiencing these diverse and imaginative projects. Remember to book day tickets online before December 18 to receive 30% off the advanced ticket sale price by using the promo code: LAF810.
Guem MinJeong: Site: Passed, 2014, Book, LED Monitor, Mixed Media, 27.0cm x 55.0cm x 10.0cm / 10.6″ x // Courtesy of Hanmi Gallery and London Art Fair
Exhibition
LONDON ART FAIR
Art Fair and Exhibitions: Jan. 20 – 24, 2016
Multiple Events: “Art Projects”
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52 Upper Street, London click here for map
