Having introduced our Aussie galleries, we’re now going to turn the spotlight onto some of our international galleries – who are primed to travel from far and wide, laden with artworks to wow you at Affordable Art Fair Melbourne (5 – 8 September, Royal Exhibition Building).

Hailing from Thailand to Tokyo, UK to USA, these expert galleries have everything arty, including popping paintings, stunning sculptures, perfect prints and even celebrated works from K-Pop artist Kwon Ji An! Read on for more…

MEET THE MELBOURNE FAIR INTERNATIONAL GALLERIES

The Tolman Collection, Tokyo, Japan

Specialising in Japanese graphic art and representing artists from across Asia, expect plenty of Eastern flavour on The Tolman Collection stand. In particular, don’t miss works by Toko Shinoda, who is arguablyJapan’s leading female artist – and still creating at 106 years old! Toko’s exquisite abstract lithographs and original works are created using materials such as sumi ink on silver, gold and platinum foils. Having exhibited in landmark institutions around the world, such as New York’s MoMA and Rockefeller Foundation, London’s British Museum, Tokyo’s National Museum of Modern Art and the Singapore Art Museum, the Affordable Art Fair was the obvious choice for her CV! Plus – snap up one of her works and you can finally boast that you have something in common with the Emperor of Japan, as one of Toko’s works hangs in His Majesty’s private dining room at the Imperial Palace.

Axiom Contemporary, Santa Monica, California, USA

We’re can’t wait to see uber cool gallery, Axiom Contemporary, at the fair – no, not because the gallery is owned by Dawson’s Creek actor Mark Matkevich, but because their pop, abstract and neo-street contemporary works would look fantastic in our homes! Two photographers in particular stand out from their repertoire; Max Steven Grossman from Columbia who creates photographic compositions on lucite (main image). And one of our personal favourites, US photographer, Donn Delson whose aerial photographs make our heads spin! Read more about Donn’s work in our interview and visit the fair to see his work for yourself.

La Lanta Fine Art, Bangkok, Thailand

Since opening its doors in 2006, La Lanta Fine Art has become one of the most successful contemporary art galleries in Bangkok, with an international collector following across Asia, New York, Miami – and now Melbourne! ‘La Lanta’ literally translates as “beauty in abundance” which is definitely reflected in their artist preview.

Don’t miss Chamnan Chongpaiboon’s textured paintings, created using freehand pointillist techniques in circular designs inspired by the Buddhist Dharma Chakra. These intricate patterns are overlaid with pop-portraits of women, in vibrant, retro colours. Chamnan’s fans include the UK’s Telegraph Magazine and Elle Décor USA – so quite the hot ticket!

Or, for a relaxing alternative, consider Visarute Angkatavanich’s elegant Siamese Fighting Fish series. Inspired by his childhood memories of his pet fish, the series has become an internet sensation and was even handpicked by Apple to be the wallpaper for the iPhone 6 and 6s.

Palma Arte, Saliceto, Italy

Marcello Palma, founder of Palma Arte, first exhibited under the roof of the Royal Exhibition Building a huge 28 years ago! This year, their stand will be hosted by daughter and Gallery Director, Alice Palma and her team, who can’t wait to introduce their roster of artists from Italy and beyond. One such artist is Italian painter, Matthias Brandes, whose enchanted landscapes remind us of a cross between a fairy tale and an M.C. Escher drawing. Filled with textured, geometric houses that are full of character, whether huddling up together in a silent embrace, perched on low hills or lounging on flat lagoons – get drawn in for yourself at the fair.

Jinsan Gallery, Seoul, South Korea

Boasting works by K-Pop artist Kwon Ji An, it’s no wonder that Jinsan Gallery’s mission is represent modern artists for a modern society. With walls filled with street art and sugary-graphic works we can’t wait for an injection of South Korean culture at the fair!

Kwon Ji An’s work is driven by a commentary on society, class and the obsession with social networks expressed through her paintily abstract works. Alongside her work, look out for Ahn Sang Hee’s nostalgic paintings which explore the human pursuit for happiness and freedom, within a world that often gets in our way.

Quantum Contemporary Art, London, UK

Since the very first Affordable Art Fair took place in Battersea Park, London, in 199, the Quantum Contemporary Art team have participated in 100 Affordable Art Fair’s! Their exhibitions demonstrate their specialism; works by young professional and emerging artists, which they find by scouring art colleges, exhibitions, studios and artists’ collectives all over the UK, looking for exciting, innovative and collectable works for their loyal customers.

Keep an eye out for Keith Athay at the fair, the UK artist has been painting professionally since 2009 when he decided to give up his day job as a prototype model-maker and live completely ‘off the grid’ in a field. His home was a yurt where he grew his own vegetables, chopped his own firewood, filtered his own rainwater and most importantly, create stunning paintings like the one below. For Affordable Art Fair Melbourne, Keith will be created a special new series of works, all inspired by the beautiful state of Victoria. Each piece will be built up using a base of collage including local maps from the area he depicts.

We hope we’ve whetted your appetite for a taste of art from far flung destinations! Don’t forget to purchase a ticket in advance, plus to be one of the first to browse the art, snap up one of our limited tickets to our exclusive Opening Night.

Main Image:
Max Steven Grossman, Rock, 94 x 188 cm, edition of 5, Axiom Contemporary.

Featured art from first to last:
The Tolman Collection at the Affordable Art Fair.

Toko Shinnoda, Anticipation, 1999, edition of 40, 38 x 28 cm, AU$6,000, The Tolman Collection.

Toko Shinoda, Wind from the Sea, 2000, edition of 38, 56.5 x 73 cm, AU$10,000, The Tolman Collection.

Axiom Contemporary at the Affordable Art Fair.

Donn Delson, Cassette Deck, photograph, Axiom Contemporary.

La Lanta Fine Art at the Affordable Art Fair.

Chamnan Chongpaiboon, Kirra, acrylic on canvas, 120 x 150 cm, AU$6,800, La Lanta Fine Art.

Visarute Angkatavanich, Autumn Wind, 2016, photograph, 60 x 90 cm, edition of 15, AU$3,800, La Lanta Fine Art.

Visarute Angkatavanich, Angel Winter, 2016, photograph, 60 x 90 cm, edition of 15, AU$3,800, La Lanta Fine Art.

Palma Arte at the Affordable Art Fair.

Matthias Brandes, Stillife, 2017, oil on canvas, 120 x 100 cm, Palma Arte.

Matthias Brandes, Stillife, 2018, oil on wood, 40 x 40 cm, Palma Arte.

Jinsan Gallery at the Affordable Art Fair.

Kwon Ji An, Hyperism Blue, 2018, mixed media on canvas, 80 x 60 cm, Jinsan Gallery.

Ahn Sang Hee, Nimbus 286, 2019, acrylic on canvas, 91 x 117 cm, Jinsan Gallery.

Johnny Gorman from Quantum Contemporary Art.

Keith Athay, Widemouth Bay, 2018, mixed media on canvas, 107 x 80 cm, AU$6,000, Quantum Contemporary Art.