The 21st edition of Collect Art Fair, a hub for contemporary craft, is set to open in London at Somerset House this week. Organized by the Crafts Council, the event will feature 40 international galleries showcasing a diverse range of crafts created in the last five years. From ceramics to jewellery, textiles to furniture, the fair will display works crafted from various materials like beeswax and resin, with prices spanning from affordable to high-end pieces.
In the face of challenges within the art market, exhibitors at Collect are emphasizing quality, originality, and storytelling to attract collectors and audiences. Isobel Dennis, the fair’s director, notes that galleries focusing on unique artistic voices and fostering direct connections between artists and viewers are navigating the current uncertainties effectively. Despite the financial risks associated with art fairs, many galleries view participation in Collect as a worthwhile investment to engage with serious collectors and institutions.
Dennis highlights that the crafts showcased at Collect annually reflect personal artistic narratives and broader cultural trends. This year, a prominent theme revolves around the intersection of gender and heritage identity, exploring how artists reclaim, challenge, and navigate cultural narratives. New exhibitors like AIFA from Verbier and Candida Stevens Gallery from the UK are presenting works that delve into themes of displacement and cultural complexities.
Another emerging trend at this year’s fair is the increasing focus on wearable art, with a significant display of contemporary jewellery by galleries such as Objects Beautiful and BR Gallery. Dennis also singles out notable installations, like Isobel Napier’s paper textile piece and Kari Anne Helleberg Bahri’s textile works exploring themes of restriction and isolation. In addition, 1882 Ltd returns to the fair with exclusive collaborations with renowned creatives like Robbie Williams and Giles Deacon.
One of the highlights of Collect is the Collect Open section, now in its 15th year, showcasing makers who have honed their craft through extensive practice, pushing the limits of their chosen materials. This year’s projects include works by artists from various countries, challenging perceptions on material, social, political, and personal levels. Notable projects include Hugo Byrne’s culinary-inspired knives, Darren Appiagyei’s wood art reflecting personal experiences, and Wanbing Huang’s intricate installation inspired by Chinese mythology.
As the craft industry continues to evolve, events like Collect play a crucial role in showcasing the creativity and innovation within the craft sector. By providing a platform for artists to exhibit their works and engage with a diverse audience, Collect contributes to the ongoing dialogue surrounding contemporary craft and its cultural significance.
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