The Affordable Art Fair
«I love art, just love it, but dread ever visiting a gallery. There, pieces rarely have a price sticker and I always feel awkward asking how much, especially as I know the price will be beyond my budget.»
I have no desire to buy art as an investment, I just want to enjoy work that I love. However I would like to own art created by trained, talented artists but at a reasonable cost, let’s say less than £6000 for a decent sized painting.
I often thought that I might be asking for too much and my bare walls can vouch for that. Thankfully though I am not the only one who feels this way. Will Ramsay experiencing the same exclusive attitude in galleries as I did, decided to set up an art fair, the Affordable Art Fair in 1999.
Undoubtedly a success as the fair now travels around the world but it is on now in Battersea Park and there’s lots to see and buy. It is only on until Sunday 22 October, don’t miss it.
The four-day event will see a diverse line-up of artists showcasing a mix of contemporary paintings, edition prints, sculptures and photography, all priced between just £100 – £6,000 – so there’s something to suit every taste and budget.
There will also be Recent Graduates’ Exhibition with a selection of works curated by The Cob Gallery’s Cassie Beadle. The exhibition will provide a platform for some of the UK’s top graduates, including Romily Alice Walden who will be showcasing her neon installation Utopias, which explores post-internet culture and the female form.
My present fascination is with abstract photography and photo realism. I love the work of Niko Luoma his fascination with the play of light, blending geometry, symmetry and chaos, dare I say, has a parallel with what I do. He is presently showing at the Atlas Gallery in Marylebone. Sadly though I can’t afford his beautiful analogue photographs.
Instead turning to the Affordable Art Fair I will be taking a look at the work of Sonja Weber. Her images of water and mountains start as photographs, which she then processes before translating them on a jacquard loom into a very fine weave with an iridescent surface. By her emphasising or de-emphasising the fine thread, the image acquires an extra dimension. The image moves beyond the limitations of photography or painted canvas and reacts to light, angle and shadow. Incredible work.
Please do join me at the Affordable Art Fair.
Cover Image by Sonja Weber