What Is Affordable Art?
I have a smorgasbord of art inspirations having visited Battersea Affordable Art Fair and it’s lovely.
Luke Hannam Towards Seddlescombe || (2018)
Like many fun things in life, buying art is largely a fiscally driven activity. Frieze is a sturdy favourite, London event; its grandeur, range and prestige are unbeatable. But like most art fairs, the price tags are inaccessible for most people. This is where the Affordable Art Fair comes in.
This international fair is relaxed and manageable. Curating over 1,000 contemporary artists, including recent graduates and merging artists, as well as established, leading galleries. Just like art taste, ‘affordable’ is relative, nevertheless today it means £100 to £6,000- question answered!
There is something innately special about discussing a ‘soon to be yours’ piece, with the gallerist or the artist themselves. A luxury which does not usually come alongside this price bracket whilst amongst so much choice.
At risk of sounding like a cliché, it is incredibly important to feel how the art makes you feel, in the flesh. Art is the heart and soul of a room, often a smart interior designer’s first prerogative when beginning a scheme. I love it when a client or friend says they “just like it”, about their art, as if it is an indescribable pull. A non-intimidating fair is a great place to find this connection.
Raquelle Azran Vietnamese Contemporary Fine Art- Artist: Vu Thu Hiem- Minority Male (2002), Heartbeats of Nature (2018) , Serenity of Clouds (2018)
Along with Luke Hannam (top of page), a Vietnamese art gallery is a top discovery for me. The colour and smooth lines in oriental art always makes me swoon so I’ve picked out the artist Vu Thu Hien.
A ceramic obsession meant I was thrilled to come across Paul Jackson’s Madrugada series, particularly the large rocking jug. This would make a stunning centre piece on a large dining table.
Paul Jackson, Madrugada Rocking Jug
The next Affordable Art Fair is at glorious Hampsted Heath on the 9th-12th May.