Collect Art Fair 2024 Preview – Armadillo Central

London’s Collect Art Fair celebrates its 20th Anniversary later this week, opening to the public, in the West Wing of Somerset House, on March 1st.

I’ve picked out a handful of pieces and look forward to seeing so much more at the exhibition, which always showcases a wide range of disciplines and materials.

Textured Objet Series by Kim Hyun-seon, metal and lacquer, vase like with a bulbous shape on a stand, all in a dark red mesh, represented by Han Collection

Textured Objet Series by Kim Hyun-seon, metal and lacquer, presented by Han Collection

This year ceramics, glass, lacquer, furniture, art jewellery, metalwork, textile and fibre, wood and paper, and pieces embracing more unusual materials, such as resin, mica, corn-starch and plastics, will be on display. There will also be works utilising reused, repurposed, and recycled materials.

A textured silver brooch by artist and silversmith Miriam Hanid, Earth Brooch, 60x40mm, Britannia silver and lemon gilt, represented by Goldsmiths Fair

Miriam Hanid, Earth Brooch, 60x40mm, Britannia silver and lemon gilt, presented by Goldsmiths Fair

Alongside over 40 specialist and international galleries, Collect Open, the fair’s platform for experimental proposals and installations by individual artists and collectives, will also present new projects by artists from all over the world.

A deep rounded Wood vessel in earthy tones of brown and patches of terractotta colourr by Park Hong-gu, represented by Han Collection

Wood vessel by Park Hong-gu, presented by Han Collection

The Loewe Foundation enjoys a long association with the Fair. The organisation promotes creativity, organises educational programs and protects cultural heritage in the fields of craft, art, design, photography, poetry and dance. The foundation’s Craft Prize regularly seeks out and supports new talent, and shortlisted artists are showcased annually at Collect.

A green texture hourglass shaped paper sculture with subtle flecks of colour entitled Cristalización Orgánica Esmeralda, paper, MTC, inks, by Luis Santos Montes, from the Loewe Foundation Prize shortlist 2024

Cristalización Orgánica Esmeralda, paper, MTC, inks, by Luis Santos Montes, Loewe Foundation Prize shortlist 2024

Overall, more than 400 artists and crafspeople will be represented at the Crafts Council’s Collect Art Fair 2024, which runs until 3rd March. Highlights also include a varied talks programme.

An aqua coloured vase with a wider section in the upper half featuring retro geometric patterns in charcoal and white Homage to Forton, 2023, white stoneware by Jo Walker, presented by Craft Scotland. Photo Shannon Tofts

Homage to Forton, 2023, white stoneware by Jo Walker, presented by Craft Scotland. Photo Shannon Tofts

Find out more about the Fair and book tickets via the official website: www.craftscouncil.org.uk

Memento, Halima Cassell represented by Joanna Bird Gallery

Memento, hand carved ceramic by Halima Cassell, presented by Joanna Bird