COLLECT, the leading international art fair for contemporary objects, returns to the Saatchi Gallery in 2014 with an impressive roster of 36 international galleries, alongside seven Project Space artists. COLLECT also previews a new touring exhibition, ‘Legacy: Two works about hope and memory’ by Julian Stair and Clare Twomey in commemoration of the First World War centenary. The fair, presented by the Crafts Council, will run from 9-12 May 2014.
This showcase of innovation and excellence will feature contemporary objects for sale from over 400 artists, ranging from ceramics and glassware to jewellery and woodwork, cementing COLLECT 2014 as the place to view and collect museum-quality contemporary craft. The fair appeals to established and new collectors alike and acts as a perfect springboard to start cross-collecting. COLLECT was launched by the Crafts Council in London in 2004 and has since established itself as the leading international art fair for museum-quality contemporary craft, attracting both private and institutional collectors – the V&A, the British Museum, the National Museum of Scotland, the Mint Museum, USA, and the National Museum of Decorative Arts, Norway, to name a few – looking to buy exemplary work from leading artists from around the world. Prices start at £500, rising into the thousands.
In 2014, the Crafts Council welcomes back galleries from all over the world, including Yufuku Gallery from Japan, the Korean Craft & Design Foundation, blås&knåda from Sweden, Galerie Rosemarie Jäger from Germany and Galerie Rob Koudijs and Galerie RA from The Netherlands – and from the UK, Adrian Sassoon, Gallery SO, Contemporary Applied Arts, London Glassblowing, Ruthin Craft Centre and Joanna Bird, are just a few.
New galleries for 2014 include Sladmore Contemporary (UK), which will provide a solo study of work by large scale ceramic artist Roger Law; The French Project (France) will present a range of works around the concept ‘cabinet of curiosities’; Galvanise Sheffield & Harley Gallery (UK) are collaborating on a presentation of artists celebrating Sheffield as a centre of industry; Jagged Arts (UK) will present a selection of mixed media artists around the theme ‘Line or Beauty’; and Officine Saffi (Italy) and Ippodo (Japan and US), will bring a selection of works in metal, ceramics and glass.
There is great diversity in the Project Space this year, as selected by Simon Fraser MA RCA from Central St Martins UAL, COLLECT 2014 Show Director Daniella Wells, and Crafts Council Head of Exhibitions and Collection Annabelle Campbell. A total of seven artists will be exhibiting new, concept-led works, including kinetic glass from Min Jeong Song and Wonseok Jung, luxury leather bags and vessels from Lisa Farmer, a mosaic installation by Cleo Mussi and intricate landscape tapestries by Jilly Edwards. Furniture by Giovanni Marmont, new works by Jerwood Makers Open exhibitor Linda Brothwell, and highly desirable ceramics by Heidi Harrington complete the group.
Rosy Greenlees, Executive Director, Crafts Council, says: “The Crafts Council’s aim is to make the UK the best place to make, see, collect and learn about contemporary craft – and COLLECT is central to this goal. Challenging perceptions and showcasing exemplary work, it continues to set a gold standard. I look forward to welcoming you in 2014.”
Daniella Wells, Show Director, COLLECT 2014, says: “It’s such a privilege to work with the exhibitors at COLLECT, who bring expertise and exceptional work from well-known makers and new talent. Working on COLLECT for over a decade now, it’s rewarding to see the fair develop year on year, and to welcome an ever increasing variety of work from around the world. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing new work and galleries from Asia this year, and I always come away from the event learning something new.”
Saving...