Battersea Autumn: Inspiring Stories Tour

If you like your art with heart, this is the tour for you!

Discover uplifting personal stories from our creative community, inspired by our fair theme, ‘Art That Moves You’ – all available to see (and take home) at Affordable Art Fair, Battersea Autumn (20 – 23 October). Find inspiring and powerful stories in art that stirs the senses.

Let’s get started!

1. Caiger Art, Stand A2

First, we are visiting Caiger Art’s stand to explore the abstract paintings of Gavin Johnson. Gavin’s works are inspired by psychology and the mix of control and chaos that can be a part of the creative process. He says: “I  believe in the necessity for conflict, whether it be through colour, how the various shapes interact or the materials and textures”. Gavin has a background as a professional athlete and an accomplished javelin thrower, having won multiple titles including two English National Championships. His passion for movement in sports and psychology are all channelled into his striking artworks. 

2. S & P Gallery, Stand C9

Next up is S & P gallery! One of our new exhibitors this year, their stand features a range of brilliant work from artists including Miss Aniela, Gregory Prescott and Joe Charman. A special highlight is Natalie Lennard’s award winning series, Birth Undisturbed, which follows inspiring stories of childbirth from women throughout history – both real and fictional. The photographs capture the tender, magical, and painful moments with a unique artistic vision.

3. Turning Tides Contemporary Art, Stand C10

Let’s head over to Turning Tides Contemporary Art and check out Spanish artist Herme Bellido’s fascinating works. Herme’s paintings are a result of the artist’s 4-year-long research, and show a visual interpretation of a symphony by Antonín Dvořák through form and colour. There are deep layers of meaning to Herme’s practice: “Throughout these creations, I would like to communicate the creative power derived from diversity and difference, stressing the unifying spirit that the artistic experience can generate in those that take part in it.” Make sure to visit Turning Tides to find out more about these unique pieces.

4. Russel Gallery Putney, Stand D9

We are moving on to the Russell Gallery Putney stand for the elegant paintings of Gerald Engelvin that capture the beauty and innocence of childhood. Exhibited internationally across the US, Europe and Asia, the French painter is known for his poetic portraits of children and quiet interiors, using soft and delicate colours and contours to a timeless effect. His works invite the viewer to immerse themselves both in their own past memories, and Gerald’s own magical world of wishful daydreaming.

5. Forest Gallery Stand L10

Fancy a swim until the finish line? Don’t miss out on Spanish painter Ruben Abstract’s fun and colourful works depicting groups of competitive swimmers, with one character always swimming in the opposite direction and not following the rules of the race. This upbeat series reminds its viewers to not be afraid to trust themselves and move against the grain. In Ruben’s words ‘Follow your own path in the sea of life, fight restlessly, and make your dream come true. Become that swimmer that goes against the grain, no matter what people expect from you, no matter what it takes. Just trust yourself, as you have never done before, and flow.’

6. Coe Gallery, Stand L4

The last stop on our tour is our very special new exhibitor, Coe Gallery. As the first Aboriginal-owned gallery based in the United Kingdom, it celebrates the richness of Australian indigenous culture and artistic practices internationally. In the words of founder and artist Jasmine Coe: “… it is an exciting time to be stepping into this space and reclaiming the historical narrative and how our stories are shared.” Discover the moving stories behind the exhibited artworks, such as Jasmine herself, or the renowned artist Barbara Weir, whose series Grass Seed Dreaming addresses her experience of being one of Aboriginal Australia’s stolen generations. As a child, she was forcibly removed from her parents to be assimilated into new Australia. Her reconnection to her roots is expressed throughout her stunning, rhythmic paintings. Learn more about Coe gallery’s incredible artists at Stand L4!

Explore each of our Themed Tours of Affordable Art Fair, Battersea Autumn here.