27 of my Favourite Artworks from the @Art13 London Fair

5 March 2013exhibits

Art 13 – the new contemporary art fair that graced London this week was a success: Artinfo reports the positive sales incurred during the show and it signals a bright future for this art newcomer. For me, despite not seeing the presence of major London galleries here, what I really enjoyed most was discovering foreign galleries and seeing Oriental artists take centre stage (if they haven’t been basking in the Art limelight already).

The great thing about these (South east) Asian artists is their new found confidence and their boldness in merging both tradition and Western ideals in their artwork. It’s not anything new of course – a lot of artists explore their history to create a new language in their work. But personally, (and possibly with a lot of bias), I am drawn to the ingenuity and the new energy that these artists bring.

The Boat – a monumental rice paper sculpture by Chinese artist Zhu Jhinsi was, in my opinion, the most audacious piece of art in the fair. But aside from the stunning artworks from these Oriental artists, overall Art 13 is truly Europe’s global art fair. With more than 129 art galleries from 29 countries, it might be too much to take in. (How do critics do it?) – my small self can only pick a few favourites.

Here’s my Top 27

1. Zhu Jinshi Untitled Gallery: Pearl Jam Galleries China/Singapore HK

2. Zilvinas Kempinas (b.1969 Lithuania) Title: Fountain 2011 Gallery: Saatchi Gallery fan, magnetic tape, metail ring

3. Szilard Cseke (b. 1967, Hungary) Title: Deep Look, 2012 Medium: Tyres, polystyrene balls, electric fans, fluorescent tube, electric control, iron, wood

4. Nathan Slate Joseph Title: Time for Peace II, 2004 Gallery: Sundaram Tagore Gallery Medium: Pure pigment on steel

5. Hiroshu Senju Title: Waterfall, 2012 Medium: Natural pigments on Japanese mulberry paper

6. Peter Newman London, St Mary Axe, 2012 Gallery: Fine Art Society Contemporary Medium: Stainless steel, transparency, LED lightbox

7. Bernard Cohen Study I, 2008 Gallery: Flower Gallery Medium: Acrylic on Linen

8. Grayson Perry Map of the Truths and Beliefs Gallery: Paragon Medium: Tapestry, ed. of 12

9. Chai Jeong-Hwa Breathing Flower Gallery: Gana Art – South Korea Medium: Variable size, Fabric, LED Lights, motor

10. Yi Hwan-Kwon Summer (ed. 2/5) Gallery: Gana Art – South Korea Medium: handpainted on F.R.P., mixed material

11. Yi Hwan-Kwon Jae Min (ed. 5/5) Gallery: Gana Art-South Korea Medium: Hand-painted on F.R.P.

12. Lee Kyoung Mi Le Sablon Bruxelles on the Table Gallery: Cais Gallery – Hongkong/South Korea Medium: oil on constructed birch

13. Choi, Xoang Puppeteer Gallery: Cais Gallery (Hongkong/South Korea) Medium: Oil on Resin

14. Lee Jaehyo Various works Gallery: Albermarle Gallery

15. Sam Havad Toy Lenin 2011 Gallery: Kalman Maklary Fine Arts Medium: Acrylic paint on fiberglass

16. Sam Havad Toy Untitled, 2008 Gallery: Kalman Maklary Fine Arts

17. Shi, Sang-Ho Wrapping Future City 2010 Gallery: Lee Hwaik Gallery Medium: Glazed Ceramic

18-19. Chen Guangwu / Young-Jae Lee Ink, Earth and Fire Medium: Calligraphy and Ceramics

20. Wang Shugang Listening I 2011/Man Playing with Birds/Man Playing with Ball Gallery: Alexander Olus Galleries Medium: Bronze

21. Kambiz Sabn White Dive, 2012 Gallery: Artspace Dubai/London Medium: Fiberglass Ed 3

22. Zhu Jinshi Boat Gallery: Pearl Lam G Medium: rice paper

23. Mu Boyan Worm Gallery: Aye Gallery China Medium: Color on resin + Color on Bronze

24. Nyoman Masrindi God Like 2013 Gallery: Gajah Gallery Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

25. Rimuald Hazoune Petrol Cargo

26. Huang Xu Fragment no. 2, 2007 Gallery: October Gallery Medium: chromophotograph

27. Ei Anatsui Balkan 2012 Gallery: October Gallery Medium: Aluminum and copper wire