The London Art Fair returns this January for its 29th edition. It is established as a not only the UK’s premium festival for contemporary art, but also as a supportive environment for collectors of all levels. An accompanying programme rich with exhibitions, seminars, tours, films and performances occur over the five days, enriching the experience for gallerists and visitors alike.
With collections spanning from the early 20th century to the most recent and exciting compositions of our time, the fair roams fearlessly across a world of ideas, evoking complex topics and pushing boundaries. In this year’s instalment, 129 galleries participate in the event, over a fifth of which come from outside the UK. With organisations from 18 different countries such as China, France, Germany and South Korea, the festival provides a rich cross-section of the industry on a global scale.
To celebrate both this year’s partnership with The Lightbox, and the gallery’s 10-year anniversary, a display from The Ingram collection highlights key pieces from the British canon. Ten Years: A Century of Art, is located in the entrance pavilion, welcoming visitors to a world of creativity. It includes works from Henri Gaudier-Brzeska, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and more.
Photo50, the annual guest-curated exhibition which aims to provide a critical showcase of some of the most distinctive photography of the present day, is organised this January by Christiane Monarchi. A group exhibition, Gravitas, takes inspiration from ancient Roman society, in which gravitas heralded the transition from youthfulness to adulthood. In a society in which childhood is becoming increasingly pressurised, Photo50 surveys modern artists who explore the concept of adolescence through the lens.
Other highlights include the important international platform Art Projects. 2017 sees Miguel Amado curate this highly anticipated section, entitled Dialogues, in which the most stimulating contemporary practice, from a global selection, is presented. It features unique compositions such as the radio-inspired sound-art work by Graham Fagen, and Zimbabwe’s first international, independent artist-led gallery portraying a glimpse of contemporary urban Africa. Join this year’s journey in London, and kick-start the industry’s year in a celebration of the most exciting art of our time.
London Art Fair, 18-22 January. For more information, visit: www.londonartfair.co.uk
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Credits
1. Wendy McMurdo, Young Girl (iii) (2016). Courtesy of the artist and London Art Fair.