Democratic Exhibition

Democratic Exhibition

Looking towards the future of creative practice, Affordable Art Fair Battersea showcases contemporary work by emerging artists from around the world. With international galleries from locations as diverse as London, New York, Sydney, Paris, Hong Kong and the Netherlands, the event offers an overview of the next generation of talent, highlighting upcoming trends and key 21st century issues.

Exhibiting galleries include fourfour, London, which represents practitioners such as Bethany Murray, featured below. With a practice deeply rooted in the body and performance, the artist and photographer stages herself in cinematic compositions that offer a strong sense of narrative. Occupying the boundaries between choreography, film and photography, each image is steeped in universal emotion.

Smithson Gallery, Bristol, showcases work by Aesthetica Art Prize alumnus Frea Buckler. Resembling unfolded boxes or origami creations, Buckler’s works on paper result from a spontaneous methodology which occupies a space between chaos and control. The results play with illusion and perception, appearing three-dimensional rather than flat, representating processes rather than simple objects.

Other highlights include talks from Central St. Martins Short Courses, which focus on notions of gender. The discussions – which are centred around ground-breaking work by photographers Claude Cahun and Cindy Sherman – investigate feminism in art, exploring similar ideas of identity and performativity. Engaging with ideas of sustainability and connectivity, fashion brand Lowie offers audiences a hands-on upcycling workshop. The independent brand has a focus on craftsmanship, creating unique knitwear pieces that are ethically constructed.

Running 13 fairs in 10 cities, the event offers an alternative, democratic exhibition model, making art accessible through a diverse line-up. The 2018 Battersea edition runs from 18-21 October. Find out more here.

Credits:
1. The Affordable Art Fair
2. Bethany Murray, West Women I, California.