A few weekends back I made a flying visit to The Other Art Fair, which was held in the basement of Victoria House in Bloomsbury, a busy and boisterous affair where visitors were encouraged to chat with the artists as they perused the show, drink in hand. Here are a few highlights that will hopefully introduce you to some exciting new artists you have not previously heard about.
Jo Beattie is a textiles artist who is inspired by the memories of people we love and how we associate them with what they wear. ‘Their patterns and colours are embedded into our memory and become inseparable from our image of them. Our patterns and colours determine not only our character and how we want to be perceived by others but also define us in a time, place and culture.’ Playground is a vast embroidered tapestry of children, suspended like gossamer so that the shadows play against the wall behind. I also liked smaller vignettes that were displayed on shelves alongside work by her artist son.
Another textile artist which caught my eye was Kate Keara Pelen, who creates thickly encrusted abstract needlework hoops, and swathes of mini crochet vases. Definitely an inspiration for the modern craft lover.
I wasn’t quite sure what to make of the extravagant designs by Rococo Wonderland Neon Art but underlit skulls and questioning type certainly made for an attention grabbing display as I descended the stairs into the lower hall.
Lindsay Mapes (see also the opening image) is a London based artist who was born in the USA. Her colourful abstracts are inspired by autobiographical memories, conversations and experiences, in particular the way that ideas are erased or obscured.
Remember, all of these images were first shared on my instagram feed, make sure you follow me @ameliagregory to share my finds in real time!
Categories ,2015, ,Bloomsbury, ,Jo Beattie, ,Kate Keara Pelen, ,Lindsay Mapes, ,playground, ,review, ,Rococo Wonderland Neon Art, ,The Other Art Fair, ,Victoria House
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