By Abdi Ali
Published January 17, 2018
Four continents. 13 countries. 39 galleries. 400 artists. Works ranging from innovative studio pottery to bold, large-scale installations that push material boundaries and explore pressing social and environmental themes.
This describes craft, an artform that is benefitting from a resurgence of artistic and economic interest around the world as other art forms increasingly look to and draw from craft practices, more and more auction houses incorporate contemporary craft into their sales and craft objects command higher prices than ever before.
Collect: The International Art Fair for Contemporary Objects that comes to Saatchi Gallery in the British capital, London, February 22-25, 2018 is described as not just the biggest showcase in global craft but also as the most important celebration of cutting-edge, museum-quality craft in the United Kingdom.
The work being exhibited during this 14th edition of Collect span the disciplines of jewellery, textiles, ceramics, furniture, metalsmithing, glass, bookbinding, paper, willow, vellum and lacquer.
Annie Warburton, Creative Director of Crafts Council says of the event, ‘As we look forward to this 14th edition of Collect, the international market for contemporary craft has never been more buoyant. This is reflected in a record number of exhibiting galleries this year, representing leading artists and makers from four continents. British studio ceramics have been enjoying something of a moment, celebrated in a slew of recent exhibitions and major publications. In response, a new element at the fair, Masters of British Studio Pottery, will showcase masterpieces and rare works from some of the biggest names in British 20th century ceramics. And, as ever, we’re proud to introduce fresh new talent alongside established artists, cementing Collect’s reputation as the place to spot the stars of the future.’
A three-day programme of talks (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) is expected to see leading international voices from the worlds of craft, design, art, architecture and fashion explore the evolving role of craft in all sectors of society. Each day will include a material-focus talk alongside panel discussions on topics including the rise of craft prizes, re-imagining traditions, and collecting contemporary craft.
Held at Saatchi Gallery, King’s Road, London SW3 4RY, Collect 2018 shall be open 12 noon – 7:00 PM (February 22); 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (February 23); 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (February 24 and 25). Ticket cost £23 per head.
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But Collect: The International Art Fair for Contemporary Objects shall be preceded by an equally exciting pop-up exhibition of contemporary fine art titled ‘ABODE: 6 Park Place Villas’.
This show, that is scheduled for February 1-3, 2018 at 6 Park Place Villas, Little Venice, London W2 1SP, is organised by NoonPowell Fine Art that describes itself as a new online gallery space representing emerging, leading and award-winning fine artists from across the United Kingdom and abroad.
“We are committed to embracing the emerging market for collectors to seek and discover talent from the comfort of their home and workplace. We provide an altogether more personal and tailor-made service between the artist and individual collectors and buyers,” NoonPowell Fine Art says. “In association with Fact Not Fiction Films, we will be providing plenty of video interviews, studio visits and discussions about individual artist’s practices, keeping the collector up to date, well informed and bridging the gap between online and physical gallery space.”
