Inspire me
The Director’s Cut: Hampstead 2024
Ahead of Affordable Art Fair Hampstead, 8 – 12 May 2024, we caught up with Fair Director Hugo Barclay to find out his must-see artists and galleries!
Hugo Barclay
Wednesday 3 April, 2024
“I’m hugely looking forward to our fair at Hampstead Heath, not least because of the glorious setting. This year Affordable Art Fair is turning 25, and we’re continuing the celebrations with a brilliant line up.”
Fair Director, Hugo Barclay
With Affordable Art Fair Hampstead (8 – 12 May) now just around the corner, we asked Fair Director Hugo Barclay to take us through some of his art highlights. Over to you, Hugo!
I’m hugely looking forward to our fair at Hampstead Heath, not least because of the glorious setting. This year Affordable Art Fair is turning 25, and we’re continuing the celebrations with a brilliant line up. Expect a display of works inspired by the natural beauty of the Heath, contemporary abstract art, plus cutting-edge new work from our emerging artist showcase. And don’t miss the full-scale immersive installation from Jules Wittock, who’s incredible mazes hide a secret word.
We’re also bringing back our Summer Lates, complete with DJ and drinks on the unique Tree Top Terrace, the only rooftop bar actually on the Heath, so you can take a breather in the fresh air before diving back down to discover your next favourite artwork. 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…
Enda Bowe, Narrative Gallery
Enda’s work creates nostalgia from the everyday through his cinematic photography, a blend of documentary and staged photography, showcasing enormous depth and truth. I find myself coming back to his photos again and again.
Jules Wittock, Xin Art Galerie
It’s easy to get lost in the brilliant maze of Jules’ artworks. Hand-painted sometimes to huge scales, there is always only one solution and the solution writes a word – always a secret. I’m very intrigued to see the full-scale installation that Jules is preparing for the Fair.
Peter Moore, Noon Powell
Can you separate the present from the past? Can meaning become meaningless? Moore’s ‘writing exercises’ come from the idea that your ‘first thought’ is your best thought.’ For me – it’s about one’s connection with one’s gut, knowing and trusting oneself.
Ewa Senczawa, Gutmans Gallery
I love how Ewa’s bold botanical creations capture nature’s essence, delving into the raw essence of her environment with authenticity and sincerity.
Kanika Shah, NuGa Arthouse
Kanika brings together the mediums of painting and printmaking, traditional techniques, watercolour and mixed media to culminate in an intimate portrait of her inner world, inserting simple objects such as flowers, numbers, buildings, words and clouds to create patterns.
Cristina Morono, Al Contar del Arte
I’m drawn by the quality and confident abstraction of Cristina’s artworks, an artist in pursuit of constant experimentation.
Thu Hien Vu, Thang Long Gallery
I find myself immersed in the delicate and mystical figures in Thu Hien Vu’s watercolours, their dreamlike quality evoking a sense of serenity and strength. Her traditionally clothed figures are mysterious and real at the same time and are often embodiments of the spirits that influence human lives.
James Kerr, Nadia Waterfield Fine Art
James’ gutsy paintings conjure a sense of comfort for me, the simple shapes and blocks of colour. This may be at odds with his process, which involves thick layers of paint building up, be scrapped off, reworked and repainted until eventually the work is resolved. His work brings back memories of the barren French landscape of Gascony that I grew up around.
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, Hampstead 8 – 12 May.
Book online today to secure your visit!