- Posted on 29th November 2011 by Nicola Holden
Whilst we’re on the subject of art, and before it gets too late to mention it, I attended the preview night of the Hampstead Affordable Art Fair last month, shortly before jetting off to Abu Dhabi.
This was my first visit to the Affordable Art Fair, which bills itself as providing a relaxed, unstuffy environment in which to buy good quality contemporary art with a price ceiling of £4,000. I have to admit that the limitations of period and style meant that I found this art show somewhat lacking compared to others that I have visited, but it still did hold a good selection of great pieces – just sometimes on a smaller scale than at other exhibitions.
So, some of the pieces that stood out for me were:
 |
These amazing pieces by Antonio López Reche are made by individually casting pieces of straw, using traditional wax methods, and then welding them together, using them as lines to draw in the space creating forms that flow spontaneously. Amazingly, none of the pieces are constructed following sketches or preparatory drawings, making the process a game of discovery. In fact, I was so intrigued by Antonio’s work that I apparently walked a complete circle around Ricky Gervais without noticing him!! |
 |
This work by Henrik Simonsen was exhibited by Eyestorm. Henrik’s work is inspired by his Scandinavian roots and by the ‘Rococo’ style of 18th century France, creating a fairy tale-like world. I love the way his work reflects the elegant and ornate elements of the natural world around us. |
 |
If it’s photography that interests you, there were wonderful works by James Sparshatt, exhibited by Capital Culture. Although his images are printed in black and white, James has a way of capturing the colour and swirling movement of Latin music; the beauty and spirit of his subjects. |
 |
From a distance, Eberhard Ross’ work looks like a red square, but get up close and his attention to detail is mind blowing! Eberhard defines this work of his as “Organic Geometry” – “Organic” relating to living nature, and “geometry” dealing with the laws that govern the relationships between lines, planes and three-dimensional forms. His canvases are covered with networks of lines that have been scratched from the moist paint of the ground, enabling them to develop into an organic whole. Available from Four Square Fine Arts, this work is totally captivating! |
 |
I was drawn to the nostalgic reminisces of these prints by Clare Halifax, available from Demelza’s Gallery. I love the way that, within each image, design, pattern and colour play an important part, adding depth and decoration to build an aesthetically pleasing overall effect. |
 |
Barry Hilton produces a very different style of contemporary landscape. I find the way he captures the lighting in this moody landscape scene just draws me in and reminds me of what I love most about the low light of our winter days. |
 |
And finally I present this bleak but dramatic piece by Henry Walsh, exhibited by Curwen & New Academy. Walsh has a wandering empathy for the imaginary lives of strangers, which he captures on canvas in a collection entitled ‘The Right Side of Solitude’. |
“A good painting to me has always been like a friend. It keeps me company, comforts and inspires.”
Hedy Lamarr
Image credits from respective artists.
- Posted in Affordable Art Fair, Art 2 Comments
Follow Nicola Holden:
