London Art Fair 2006
Sarah Monk and Pryle Behrman
As the annual furore over the Turner Prize each year shows, there is nothing that the press loves more than a bit of controversy involving the arts. While it would be wrong to assume that this media circus is wholly a bad thing, it does promulgate the myth that contemporary artists are somehow indulging in an elaborate joke at the expense of the public and all it holds dear. Foremost among this is a belief that they are being airily dismissive of the unquestioned masterpieces of our cultural past, which can seem so far removed from the practices of today’s artists.
We believe that nothing could be further from the truth and demonstrating the continual dialogue between the new and the established has been the unifying philosophy of the London Art Fair over its 18 year history promoting the Contemporary and Modern British sectors of the art market. This is also at the core of Art Projects, which aims to give visitors to the Fair an extended look at one artist’s work, or allow an in-depth exploration of one aesthetic theme, in a specifically created environment. Art fairs have become a significant forum for bringing new art to new audiences and, by allowing more space for each artist and showing how his or her work relates to themes that unify many artists, Art Projects aims to make contemporary art accessible to the widest possible public.
In order to maximise the freedom to experiment, Art Projects has been subsidised by London Art Fair and designed as an area where galleries can go beyond the traditional format of an art fair stand. As a result, many have decided to dispense with the more conventional layouts–gone are the desks with catalogues and cards and gone is the need to show as many gallery artists as possible–and in their place have come video booths, installations and unusual, irregular hangs.
Joining us on the selection committee for Art Projects are gallery directors Paul Stolper and Danielle Arnaud, along with curator Victoria Preston. We were delighted to have even more galleries applying this year after the successful launch of Art Projects in 2005. From these proposals, the committee has selected even more participants from across the British Isles with a wider range of themes and media on display, including a video programme showcasing works chosen by members of the selection committee.
Art Projects presents a combination of new galleries, new artists from established galleries and well-known artists who are working in a new, experimental way, as our idea was to establish a dialogue between traditional and experimental ways of making and promoting art. We hope that our selection shows that, while the materials may have changed and the range of influences has become more eclectic, contemporary artists are still deeply inspired by the art of the past and eager to try to build upon its achievements. Furthermore, their work is founded on a dedication, skill and seriousness of intent that any Old Master would instantly recognise. How old fashioned.
