Collect Art Fair returns to Somerset House: preview of featured artists at Collect 2024
Collect Art Fair will return to Somerset House this February, and we had the pleasure of exploring the studios of three artists who will be showcasing their work at Collect 2024.
Collect Art Fair returns in celebration of two decades of contemporary craft and design excellence. Presented by the UKβs Crafts Council, this landmark edition at Somerset House unveils the latest in global contemporary craft. Beyond attracting seasoned collectors, Collect serves as an accessible entry point for newcomers to the world of collecting. With works ranging from Β£500 to Β£50,000+, there's something for every budget.
Collect Open introduces 14 innovative projects challenging material, social, political, or personal boundaries. Moreover, the talks programme delves into craft, contemporary issues, and inspiration, providing visitors with an understanding of the contemporary craft world. In the lead-up to the fair, we had the privilege of visiting three remarkable artists at their studios, gaining insight into their creative processes and the works they will showcase at Collect 2024.
During our visit to see artist Sara Dodd, we discovered her unique process of crafting delicate compositions from porcelain clay, drawing inspiration from colour gradients and kiln firing dynamics. Sara described how she immerses herself in the creative process, allowing her hands to guide her without overthinking. She demonstrated her method of rolling out clay, slicing it into ribbons, and shaping them into intricate forms, which dry almost immediately. Our conversation touched on Sara's artistic evolution and the growth of her artistry; it provided an insightful glimpse into Sara's creative world. Saraβs works will be showcased with Cube Gallery at this year's Collect.
Valerie Bernadini graciously welcomed us into her home studio, where she shared her fascinating journey from photography to ceramics. Central to her practice is the manipulation of light and materials to fashion unique pieces. Valerie's experimentation with light during her photography days inspired her to seamlessly incorporate neon light into her ceramic creations. Emphasising the importance of viewer interpretation, she draws inspiration from her coastal upbringing, infusing her work with a sense of personal connection. Valerieβs work will be on show with Cynthia Corbett Gallery at this yearβs Collect.
Our last visit took us to Bisila Noha's charming studio in Dalston. Sitting down with her in the early morning, we were fortunate to have her first meeting of the day. She shared her journey as a ceramic artist, emphasising how following her passion for crafting brought her fulfillment and purpose, leading her to pursue it wholeheartedly. Bisila discussed the evolution of her craft, focusing on creating pieces that resonate with her and her audience. She also reflected on her experiences at the Body Vessel Clay: Black Women, Ceramics & Contemporary Art exhibition at Two Temple Place, which was transformative and influenced her perspective on her work and her role within the craft community. Bisila's work will be on show with Thrown Contemporary
As Collect 2024 prepares to open its doors to the world, the anticipation for the diverse array of contemporary craft and design on display is palpable. From Sara Dodd's delicate porcelain compositions to Valerie Bernadini's luminescent ceramic sculptures, and Bisila Noha's soul-stirring explorations of identity and culture, these artists exemplify the spirit of innovation and excellence that define Collect as the premier destination for collectors and enthusiasts of contemporary craft and design. With each brushstroke and every sculpted form, they remind us of the boundless possibilities of artistic expression and the enduring power of creativity to inspire, uplift, and transform.
Click here for a visual preview of their works.
Date: 29 February - 3 March 2024. Location: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA. Price: from Β£27. Book now.
Lina Fitzjames is a Junior Numismatist at Baldwinβs Auction House, located at 399 Strand. She is part of a new generation reshaping the image of numismatics, the study of coinageβ¦.
Experience innovative art installations, extended reality, and interactive gaming at the 68th BFI London Film Festival, showcasing leading global talent across London venuesβ¦.
Bharti Kherβs βTarget Queenβ transforms the facade of Hayward Gallery at the Southbank Centre with bold feminine symbolismβ¦
Bermondsey Street Festival Β· Frieze Sculpture 2024 Β· London Design Festival 2024 Β· Future of Food Festival Β· Ara Malikian Β· La traviata, The Royal Opera Β· Open House London Β· Negroni Week Β· Michael Craig-Martin Β· Yelena Popova: Of Dust and Breath Β· Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum: It Will End in Tears Β· Lap-See Lam Β· Tracey Emin: I followed you to the endβ¦
Bvlgari Hotel London introduces a striking new collaboration with sculptural artist Hannah Lim, featuring a bespoke afternoon tea and a transformative redesign of the hotelβs faΓ§adeβ¦.
Slice teams up with Yard Sale Pizza for free Pizza on the 24 September at their Hackney Road Storeβ¦.
Discover events, installations and launches throughout Londonβs design districts during London Design Festival from 14 -22 September 2024β¦.
The exhibition βMARY MARYβ will feature sculptures by nine women artists on the roof terrace above Temple tube station from October 2024 to September 2025β¦
Hayu FanFest will make its debut in London on 26 October, featuring exclusive panels, star-studded meet-and-greets, and a special appearance by Andy Cohenβ¦
The 80s: Photographing Britain opens on 21 November 2024, showcasing 350 works capturing the decadeβs social and political upheavalβ¦
NAOMI: In Fashion. β’ Deborah Turbeville: Photocollage β’ Outlaws: Fashion Renegades of 80s London β’ Sargent and Fashion β’ Beyond Fashion β’ Un-hide: Reframing Luxury β’ Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collectionβ’ Marie Antoinette Style β’ Barbie Exhibitionβ¦
Londonβs most anticipated art month is on the horizon, with Frieze London and Masters taking centre stage at The Regentβs Park from 9 October - 13 October 2024. This renowned week typically sees a flurry of activity across the city, with numerous art fairs, events, and exhibitions showcasing the best in contemporary and historical art. To help you navigate the excitement, here is your guide to 50 art exhibitions not to be missed during Frieze Week.β¦
London's bustling art week returns next month, with Frieze London and Frieze Masters launching at The Regent's Park from 9 to 13 October 2024. During this time, several other art fairs will also be taking place across the cityβ¦
London Fashion Week returns on 12 September 2024 to celebrate its 40th anniversary, presented by 1664 Blanc and curated by the British Fashion Council. The event will feature over 1,000 activities across the cityβ¦
Queenβs Park is set to bid farewell to summer with a vibrant street party on Lonsdale Road, scheduled for Friday, 13th September, from 4-10pm. This exciting event will unite the local community with a lively set by Hed Kandi DJ John Jones β¦
London Podcast Festival 2024 Β· Birkenstock 250th Anniversary Exhibition Β· Rolf Hind: Sky in a Small Cage Β· Totally Thames 2024 Β· Unlimited Southbank Centre Β· London Mural Festival 2024 Β· Cornelius + Ichiko Aoba Β· The Marriage of Figaro, The Royal Opera Β· Rooftop Book Club Β· The Vinyl Factory: REVERB Β· Ernest Cole: House of Bondage Β· Roger Mayne: Youth β¦
London Podcast Festival to take place in Kingβs Cross with 11 days of live podcasting featuring broadcaster Nick Grimshaw and actress and activist Jameela Jamilβ¦
A significant piece of Londonβs nightlife history is making its way to the new London Museum, set to open in 2026. The iconic sign from the renowned nightclub fabric, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2019, will be featured in the museumβs permanent installationβ¦
Babur is a respected family run restaurant in an unassuming neighbourhood which opened back in 1985 and has clearly stood the test of time. The kitchen is led by two talented chefs (formerly of the renowned luxury Oberoi Hotel Group) head chef Jiwan Lal and sous chef Praveen Kumar Gupta, who both helped Babur receive Londonβs Best Asian Restaurant at the Asian Restaurant Awards in 2022.
One Tree Hill Nature Reserve offers a peaceful retreat from busy London. Located in Honor Oak It can be reached by the Overground train arriving at Honor Oak, a small reserve of 7 acres with interesting history, wildlife and stunning panoramic views towards the city.
To mark its 250th anniversary, Birkenstock is hosting a unique photo exhibition and book launch in September at its creative hub, Birkenstock Studios. Offering an exclusive insight into the brandβs rich history and cultural impactβ¦
Lumen Studios present NONOTAKβs ECLIPSE in London with a 1,000-square-metre immersive light and sound exhibition.
Shifters, currently on at The Duke of Yorkβs Theatre following a sold-out first run at Bush Theatre, is the story of Dre and Des: two childhood friends who reunite at the wake of Dreβs Nana after eight long years apart.
From timeless operas to groundbreaking ballet, hereβs everything you need to know about whatβs on stage this September...
Sam Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III, the acclaimed LA-based artists behind the renowned collective "FriendsWithYou," are the creative minds behind "Little Cloud World," now on display in Covent Garden. During their recent visit to London, we had the privilege of speaking with them about their creative process and the inspiration behind this captivating project.
Westminster Abbey, London's most iconic and historic church, boasts over a thousand years of heritage, renowned for its remarkable Gothic architecture and pivotal role in British history. To help you make the most of your visit to this extensive and fascinating site, here is our guide to ten essential things to see and do at Westminster Abbey.