Preview Evening: The London Art Fair 2015

Tuesday 22nd January: 6 - 7:30pm Preview Evening

Walking around an exhibition of exhibitions is like navigating some kind of bizarre maze which doesn’t have a prize in the middle. Anyone who has ever been to an event at London’s Business Design Centre will know that it is a very, very big place: a mixture of different levels, spaces and uses already makes it a hybrid kind of venue – but with the addition of around one hundred participating galleries, each curating their own small stand within the space, the microcosmic vibe about the show was certainly a little bit overwhelming. Now in its 27^th edition, The London Art Fair typically launches the art world’s year by presenting a selection of Modern British Art from a selection of different galleries – covering the period from the early 20^th century to the present day. The event stands as a platform to encourage and support collectors of all levels, and even on the preview evening before the main event’s opening, there were a few neon, circular dots obscuring the prices under each work’s title.

Warmed by the hundreds of temporary spotlights, the tension between loving art and collecting art always seems to hang in the air of these kinds of events. Of course, seasoned art-fair attendees embrace the entire structure of it all, using the show as an opportunity either to develop their own private collections, or (in the case of the gallery curator / event exhibitor) promote the work they so love and support by showing and actually selling some of it. But that other group of attendees can often be found awkwardly wandering the rows of exhibition stands feeling overwhelmed, confused and kind of out of place - despite being surrounded by a lot of very interesting art. It’s the trade show element of the art fair structure which momentarily presents art in a context that not all of us are particularly comfortable with: the art market.

I’m going to make an effort over the next few months to really widen my scope in terms of the art events I attend. I want to learn more about the market that continues to support the creation of new work (regardless of medium), in the hope that one day, I can confidently support new art by purchasing some myself.

Bright Old Things

I'm definitely down for celebrating beauty through age. Women who inspire fabulous individuals for a series of decades, not just a series of seasons. Women who provide soundtracks and mindsets that remain the foundation for a person's creative endeavors via the brands we love. Women who embrace their age by developing their identity, rather than changing it.

These campaigns have inspired me to listen to all of my old favorite music, and to learn more about the literature of a time already gone by. Its a clever marketing move from both fashion houses - but its one that actually does make total sense (providing you appreciate both the woman and the brand respectively). Hopefully we'll see more campaigns which suggest an alternative to the everyday beauty we've become accustomed to: I'm certainly more moved by these incredible and accomplished women - and that's what its all about, right?

Here's to 2015

New Year is a fabulous excuse for resolutions - but I think it's important to realise that new starts can happen whenever you choose. Either way, here's to 2015 - let it be another fascinating year full of new challenges, places and people.

That 70s thang

Take your pick ladies - although the choices are pretty simple .Stay current in full-tone looks channeling that 70s style that's sure to come around in early 2015 as it has done time and time again. It's pretty bold, but I'm sure you can find a way to give it a cool and chic modern edge - a la Gucci or Marc Jacobs. Like I said, take your pick...