Meet Contemporary Collective

Having made their Affordable Art Fair debut as part of the Project Space Collective in 2015, we were delighted that Contemporary Collective returned to the fair to showcase their exciting selection of early-career artists.

We caught up with their Head of Creative Development and Sales, Chantelle Purcell, amidst fair preparations to hear the gallery’s backstory and get the low down on what to expect from them …

1. So, tell us a bit about Contemporary Collective.

Contemporary Collective was founded in 2006 by Elinor Olisa and Isobel Beauchamp to represent artists who have risen through the ranks of our other gallery, DegreeArt.com, and require representation at a new level for the increased benefit of their careers as established artists. All of our represented artists have achieved notable successes both through DegreeArt.com and in their own right. We now champion the careers of emerging and newly established artists internationally, allowing collectors’ insider access to the most promising talent that exists today.

2. How do you select the artists you represent?

Currently the artists are hand selected by the directors and curators of DegreeArt.com. We have an advisory panel, who are involved in the selection of new artists, meeting twice a year to provide feedback and guidance to benefit the direction and development of their careers.

3. Most exciting thing about working with contemporary artists?

Contemporary artists are constantly challenging conventions, it’s incredibly inspiring to be around innovators, you never know quite what to expect!

4. Most memorable moment for the gallery so far?

Nick Lord winning the Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the year award in 2013 and Edward Sutcliffe winning the notable BP Portrait Travel Award in 2014. We also thoroughly enjoyed launching our brand at the 2015 spring edition of the Affordable Art Fair Battersea where we were lucky enough to showcase an ambitious eight-metre wide installation piece within the fair’s Project Space Collective.

5. Do you collect art yourself?

Yes, I love working within the contemporary art sector and I’m constantly inspired by new art. I have quite a wide collection of artworks and I love pieces showcasing innovative processes and new techniques. My favourite piece is a recent commission by Claire Luxton, whose work we’ll be exhibiting at the fair. She created a stunning abstract painting made from epoxy resin, inspired by Avalon.

6. Top three favourite artists who’ve exhibited at an Affordable Art Fair?

Our top three picks would be Chinese artist Mengyao Guo (whose fantastic painting was featured in the Affordable Art Fair campaign image for Battersea Spring 2016) – her colourful geometric paintings are the perfect statement piece. Multi-disciplinary artist Claire Luxton, who explores the nuances of transformation and aesthetics will be displaying her new series of resin paintings and iconic fashion inspired portraits. And, last but not least, Luke Walker’s poignant, architectural paintings that capture the evolving nature of the city.

7. What advice would you give aspiring art collectors to make sure they get the most out of visiting the Affordable Art Fair?

If you’re looking for inspiration when visiting an Affordable Art Fair my top tip would be to look out for artists who are not afraid to experiment and challenge their process of working.