2024 - Issue 131
Showcasing artists and works that caught my attention last week. Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter to find out what didn’t make the cut.
The Exhibition is the inaugural showcase of works in a new competition from art supply store CASS Art (@cassart1984). Top prize is £10,000 cash and a free stand at the Spring 2025 The Other Art Fair. Entrants were selected from UK and Ireland but the jury clearly had a preference for painting, drawing and wall-based work. Only a few sculptures snuck in and there’s no multimedia, but the quality is super high across the board. Besides enjoying the show visitors are encouraged to select their favourite for the People’s Choice Award: The recipient will get £1,000 of art supplies and a very proud mum.
NB: The exhibition brochure has full details on every artist and work.
‘CASS Art Prize 2024’ at Copeland Gallery (@copelandparkse) until 16 Nov
Contemporary British Painting (@paintbritain) is an invitation-only artist-led organisation. Since 2016 they’ve held an annual prize to promote the best contemporary painting produced in the UK. Portrait, landscape, abstract, humour and photorealism co-mingle from the 17 artists that have been shortlisted, many of whom you might recognise if you frequent London gallery shows and art fairs. With three works from each artist this is a great chance to see (or even own, if you can afford them) some top-notch painters as judged by their peers.
NB: The exhibition website lists all the artists and panelists.
‘The Contemporary British Painting Prize 2024’ at Thames-Side Studios (@thamessidestudiosse18) until 17 Nov
Established the same year as the gallery in 1984, the Annual Open is a rare opportunity for artists at any stage of their career to submit work without a selection criteria, making it London’s longest-running open and democratic exhibition. There’s a wide range of quality and “no criteria” is only really an issue with the videos. A 5-min work that was playing when I entered was 4’45” too long, and the next five weren’t any better. You can safely skip the multimedia and focus on the main room, overflowing with works that are perfectly sized and priced for new and early collectors. But get there quick while there’s still a wide selection available. The 599 works from ~350 artists mostly range from £200-£450. A handful were less than £50, nothing was above £800. Christmas shopping sorted!
NB: You can view all works and prices in the online store.
‘Annual Open 2024’ at Southwark Park Galleries (@southwarkparkgalleries) until 14 Dec
Honourable Mention Artworks
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The Abundance Portal by Elephantman (@elephantmancreations) is located on the Lakeside Centre terrace overlooking Southmere Lake in Thamesmead. It’s an interactive art installation that encourages users to embrace the power of positive thinking, although users who’ve had an abundance of food or alcohol should be careful not to spin too fast!
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Given the challenging market conditions in the art world right now I can’t tell if it’s fitting or ironic that one of London’s newest galleries is located in a former Victorian public toilet. Outhouse Gallery (@out.house.gallery) is a (very) small, independent, artist run creative space located in Brunswick Park, Camberwell. The most recent show (now closed) was Nina Gonzalez-Park (@ninnipannini) and Celia Mora (@celiamora7746) and was curated by Blanco Gallery (@blancogallery).
PLUS…
Check the What’s On page so you don’t miss any other great shows closing soon.
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