This year, Affordable Art Fair Amsterdam (31 October – 3 November) celebrates its 14th edition! In advance of the event to whet your appetite for the delectable selection of art, Fair Director, Blythe Bolton reveals 10 artworks that have piqued her interest.

AMSTERDAM FAIR DIRECTORS ARTWORK PICKS

It’s my great privilege to be directing Affordable Art Fair Amsterdam and I’m so looking forward to welcoming visitors and exhibitors alike to de Kromhouthal. One of the great joys of the fair is the bringing together of 1000s of artworks from artists and galleries hailing from all over the world. You’ll see in my top 10 that there are artworks not only coming from Tokyo, London and Tel Aviv but also spectacular pieces by artists from Den Bosch and Naarden, here on our doorstep.

While it was extremely difficult to pick only 10, here are some of the artists whose works I’m excited to see at the fair this year:

Hock Tee Tan, HUX Gallery

The clear lines and playful colours of London-based artist Hock Tee Tan’s pastel, female nudes (below) to me are a perfect example of ‘less equals more.’ It never ceases to amaze me the poetry and sensuality that he achieves with so few marks. I will be first in line check these out at Stand D16.

Dan Parry-Jones, Will’s Art Warehouse

One of the astonishing qualities of art is its ability to show us hidden sides of ourselves. I’m always drawn, quite bizarrely, to artworks featuring swimming pools. So, I’m looking forward to lounging around the gorgeous mixed-media works of Bristol-based artist Dan Parry-Jones (above). See his work on the Will’s Art Warehouse stand, C13.

Hiroko Ueba, Emigre Collection

All of last Winter, I’d been regretting not buying a piece from this artist at our 2018 fair so I was absolutely thrilled to find out Hiroko Euba’s works would be back in Amsterdam again this year. Her canvases are botanical ballets, full of movement, music and beauty and I’m completely in awe of this Hiroko’s talents. Be sure to stop by stand C15 and see what you think!

Nicolette Benard, Galerie De Ploegh

Dolls captured in auras of baubled textiles or floral arrangements like the piece below, Nicolette Benard’s work would make a stylish addition to any collection. Nicolette’s 3D works are full of attention to detail so it’s easy to see why this artist is also known for her intricate jewellery creations. I find her works fun, surreal and strangely relatable. Swing by Galerie De Ploegh’s stand, C10, to see her works up close.

Marcelo Suaznabar, Spence Gallery

Weird and even more wonderful, I first spotted Bolivian artist Marcelo Suaznabar’s works (above) at our fair in NYC and they immediately put me in mind of the great icon of Dutch art history, Hieronymous Bosch. That means we’ll have a Bolivian artist, inspired by a 15^th Century Brabantse painter, being represented by a Canadian gallery at an Amsterdam Fair (on Stand C14)… A reminder of the amazing way that art transcends borders and echoes over generations.

Michal Baratz Koren, Meijler Art

I’m so looking forward to seeing the works of Israeli photographer Michal Baratz Koren on the Meijler Art stand, D22. Her complex tableaux, which re-imagine the iconic narratives of the Jewish faith, are full of drama, theatre and emotion. To me they’re a beautiful celebration of the joy of storytelling. If anyone’s looking for me during the fair, I think they’re likely to find me poring over the characters and details in these stunning works!

Leon Keer, Wanrooij Gallery

My highlight of our 2018 edition was watching you all getting trapped in Leon’s gumball machine, so we are delighted to announce that he is back in 2019 with more brain-boggling, visually mesmerizing art on Stand D1. The master of perspective, Leon’s optical illusion works are nothing short of magical. This artist is not to be missed – get ready to have your mind blown!

Loes van Delft, Affordable Art Fair Amsterdam Ambassador Artist 2019

Joining the fair as our first ever Ambassador Artist, Loes van Delft is a long-time fan of the Amsterdam fair and we’re delighted to have her work gracing the entrance to the fair. One of the fiercest mice since Mickey, her superheroic ‘Pjipje’ is a character that journeys through Loes’ colourful canvases with a ‘power frown’ expression. Determined and ambitious like the artist herself we think there are big adventures ahead for Loes and Pjipje!

Antoine Gaussin, Visus Gallery

I can’t think of anything nicer than sitting down with a cup of tea at the end of another crazy day organizing the fair, in front of one of Antoine Gaussin’s ethereal photographs (above). Magical light, otherworldly landscapes and perspectives which evoke the immensity of the elements, these works gently wash the stress of daily life away. Art I would love to take home with me! Visit Stand B2 for more.

Joseph Klibansky, Klibansky Editions

And finally, I’m really excited to see this year’s special project, ‘Leap of Faith’, from Joseph Klibansky grace the hall. Over 3m in height and cast in bronze, this year’s special project, ‘Leap of Faith’, from Joseph Klibansky is going to be spectacular! I’m super excited to see what you make of the mighty astronaut and hope that you’ll join me in welcoming ‘the man behind the Instagram channel’ to the fair. See you there!

Wow! What a selection! See these and 1000s more affordable, contemporary artworks at Affordable Art Fair Amsterdam (31 October – 3 November, de Kromhouthal). With online ticket prices giving you the best possible value, don’t forget to snap up a ticket in advance.

Main Image:
Dan Parry-Jones, Skater with Blue Mountain, 2019, 60 x 60 cm, mixed media, Will’s Art Warehouse, Stand C13.

Featured art from first to last:
Hock Tee Tan, Standing Nude Colour, 2019, pastel, 1080 x 820 cm, €2,225, The HUX Gallery, Stand D16.
Dan Parry-Jones, Dark Trees, 2019, mixed media, 80 x 80 cm, €2,975, Will’s Art Warehouse, Stand C13.
Hiroko Ueba, March of The Three Holy Kings, 2016, mixed media, 53 x 63 cm, €1,000, Emigre Collection, Stand C15.
Nicolette Bénard, Flowers, 2019, mixed media, €900, Galerie De Ploegh, Stand C10.
Marcelo Suaznabar, Untitled, 2018, oil and resin on panel, 30 x 30 cm, €1,360, Spence Gallery, Stand C14.
Michal Baratz Koren, Queen of Sheba, 2014, photograph, edition of 6, 180 × 125 cm, €7,500, Meijler Art, Stand D22.
Leon Keer’s interactive installation on the Wanrooij Gallery stand at Affordable Art Fair 2018. Returning to the 2019 fair on Stand D1.
Loes van Delft, Assorted Titles, 2018, Mixed Media, 80 x 22 cm, €2,740, Affordable Art Fair Ambassador Artist Stand, Fair Entrance.
Antoine Gaussin, Northern Umbrellas, 2018, photograph, edition of 10, 110 x 110 cm, €3,500, Visus Gallery, Stand B2.
SPECIAL PROJECT: Joseph Klibansky, Leap of Faith, 2016, bronze, Courtesy of Klibansky Editions. Located between stands A21 and A22.