Fair Director’s Picks: Battersea Autumn

As the fair gets ever closer, the excitement is palpable! We’re back in Battersea Park from 21 – 24 October for the Affordable Art Fair, with an amazing array of contemporary galleries exhibiting, alongside exciting artworks by recent graduates, a new installation, and much more. To help you get fair-ready, our UK Fair Director Elizabeth Dellert has combed our aisles to bring you her top picks and personal recommendations. Get your notepad at the ready!

NEWNESS

Visitors are in for a real treat this fair as we’ll see some fantastic new artworks making their public debut. I’m excited to see a beautiful new series of abstract works by Norwegian artist Marit Bostad up close – her use of colour and texture is mesmerising (Mint Art Gallery, stand K4). Also new to the fair is artist Kate Rowe, who’s hand-sewn still-life collages are charming and impressive in equal measure (Quantum Contemporary Art, stand G1). If you’re a photography fan, make sure to check out two new series of works by Bindi Vora and Berto Herrera (Carrie Scott Gallery, stand J4). Herrera’s series “What Is Home?” displays tranquil portraits of trees. Shining a light on the inequality of property development in 1930s America, that often deliberately omitted trees from planning of poorer neighbourhoods. Plus, fans of the irreverent David Shrigley can snap up beautiful new prints by him at Jealous Gallery (stand J5).

The power of people

We’re blessed with some stunning figurative works at Battersea autumn. I’m really excited to see new pieces from fair-favourite Henrietta Dubrey, as well as captivating expressionist portraits by Layla Andrews, depicting characters and memories inspired by her Jamaican grandfather (both Livingstone St Ive’s, stand I2). Layla’s fans include none other than Barack Obama, need I say more?! I also love Jo Quigley’s autumnal scenes of Londoners on Southbank, out for their winter walks. (The Art Agency, stand G4).

Recent Graduates Showcase

Our recent graduates showcase is back, (stand F3) this time curated by the inimitable designer and artist Pascal Anson, who’s selected some of the brightest and best UK art school graduates of recent years. Titled ‘Seeing the Extraordinary’ the display celebrates works that transform the everyday into extraordinary works of art. If you’re looking to invest in a future star, this is definitely the place to do it! Find out more about our Recent Graduates here.

All things bright and beautiful

As autumn draws in, I’ve been increasingly drawn to artists approaching colour in bold and beautiful ways, like sculptor Greg Pearson’s ‘Colourful Companion V’ – with its subtle lines and bold use of colour, this is sure to brighten up your day. And you couldn’t get more colourful than After Nyne’s stand (E3) featuring beautiful colour-popping abstract works by JFK Turner and Kate Trafeli. Turner’s compositions are produced from found objects, giving a real depth and texture to his work. And then there’s Emily Powell, with her signature style of candypop and acid colour combinations and charming animal characters. Look out for her giant leopards at the fair, and shop her works at Linvingstone St Ive’s (Stand I2).

A must-see installation

We’re so excited to be working with artists Violeta Maya and Persiis Hajiyanni to realise their ambitious sculptural installation, Fluid Form, at our autumn fair. Exploring the transformative power of water, Fluid Form features a range of ice sculptures that sporadically melt throughout the day, creating fascinating plays of light as you walk through the installation. It’s been commissioned by our Official Drinks Partner, Martin Miller’s Gin, who’s magical bars deserve their own stop on your fair itinerary, with décor and drinks inspired by surrealist art.

Natural Materials and Earthy Colour Palettes

Tactile, natural materials are prevalent in many of the exhibiting works this Autumn, as are earthy, organic colour palettes. I love the sense of warmth and authenticity that these pieces can bring into the home. Lucinda Dalton Gallery have some brilliant examples, including Hilde Trip’s ‘Wish Full’ made using dandelion fluff. Dan Cook’s geometric painting ‘No. 356’ has a beautiful colour palette of stonewashed grey, deep-forest green and sandy beige, which has a wonderfully calming and soothing effect. Dion Salvador Llyod’s magnificent abstract seascape, created in grey-blue and umber tones, can bring a sense of sanctuary to the home, making us feel safe from the awesome power of nature.

Be sure to come down in person to check out Elizabeth’s picks and so much more at The Affordable Art Fair Battersea Autumn (21 – 24 October).