The Director’s Cut: Battersea Spring 2025
Ahead of Affordable Art Fair Battersea Spring, 12 – 16 March 2025, we caught up with Fair Director Hugo Barclay to find out his must-see artists and galleries!
Hugo Barclay
Wednesday 5 February, 2025
Fergus Hare, Grandy Art, Strand L6
“One of the first art fairs of the year, and it’s promising to be a standout show…“
Fair Director, Hugo Barclay
The lengthening days and daffodils shooting up everywhere mean only one thing: the Spring edition of Affordable Art Fair is returning to Battersea Park, 12 – 16 March. Fair Director Hugo Barclay takes us through his top picks…
Our Battersea Spring edition is one of the first art fairs of the year, and it’s promising to be a standout show with fresh artworks from artists I’ve had my eye on for a while, plus intriguing new discoveries.
This year we’re celebrating Women’s History Month with a showcase of contemporary female artists making art history now, alongside a striking installation by campaign artist Margaux Carpentier at the fairs entrance. We’re also bringing back Art After Dark Lates, our adults-only after party, complete with DJ and cocktails, plus Drink & Draw workshops for a unique date night.
With 1,000s of works from over 100 galleries, it’d be impossible to mention them all, but here’s a few I’m looking out for…
Margaux Carpentier, Art Friend (Stand I7)
Margaux’s works are renowned for their vibrant colours and rich symbolism, and I’m delighted to have her work showcased in our campaign artwork for the fair. Her work is hugely varied, from murals to sculptures to prints, and visitors to the Spring fair will be greeted by Margaux’s beautiful installation in our entrance hall. Don’t miss the opportunity to take home a limited edition print of ‘Tides’, also specially created for the fair.
David Storey, The Stratford Gallery (Stand C2)
I’m drawn to David’s emotionally-charged figures, the representations of half-remembered people and places. His skill in creating a dialogue between subject and places, capturing memory in an emotive and evoked way, makes him one not to miss at the fair.
Philippa Paterson, Darl-e and the Bear (Stand C4)
Philippa’s artworks are imaginative reinterpretations of familiar domestic scenes. To me, her work blends traditional portrait and landscape elements with unexpected, whimsical imagery, creating a sort of dynamic and unpredictable visual experience. The bold colours, spontaneous or playful compositions invites viewers into a world that is both nostalgic and fantastical.
Mario Malfer, Forest Gallery (Stand L10)
Mario’s unique use of colour and geometric shapes reveal the previous generations that have inhabited these beautiful Tuscan landscapes. Colour layered over geometric forms create a sense of movement, of being inside a tapestry of rural Italian countryside – they remind me of the hot dry European summers of my youth.
Fergus Hare, Grandy Art (Stand L6)
I’m very curious about the beach and crowd body of Fergus’ work; his use of soft hues and the way he depicts the relationship between subjects and their surroundings create a unique narrative in each piece. He aims to capture the character and personality of his subjects through their posture and clothing, rather than focusing on specific identities or locations – they certainly make me want to uncover more about the stories behind the pieces.
Herme Bellido, Turning Tides Contemporary (Stand J2)
Herme’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in the exploration of colour and form. Her pictorial work takes music and translates it into the visual through colour. Her practice often draws inspiration from the stillness and essence of nature, creating a serene and contemplative experience for the viewer, evoking a sense of tranquillity and introspection. Her paintings invite viewers to slow down, take respite from the fast-paced rhythm of modern life.
Thanks so much to Fair Director Hugo Barclay for sharing his highlights! All of these artworks and many more will be available to see and purchase at Affordable Art Fair, Battersea Spring, 12 – 16 March 2025.
Book online today to secure your visit!
Author