I had the chance to preview some offerings from the Love Art Contemporary Art Fair this week at the trendy social club, Soho House (if the lemon scones are an accurate sample of the fare I can see why people pay the membership fee). Brought to us by the creators of the 15 year old international “Affordable Art Fair,” the fair targets first time art buyers without compromising quality. The show will feature the work of both emerging and established artists from all fine art disciplines in a relatively intimate setting of around 50 galleries from Canada and abroad.
Even though it is a collection of galleries, the similarities between this show and say, Art Toronto, stop there. Remember, this organization wants anyone to be able to “love art” regardless of their cultural knowledge or financial demographic, so they have established a framework of rules upon which the fair operates.
- All work is between $100 and $10,000 with over half the work priced under $5,000.
- Fair guide and website will have a section to feature work under $1,500 and visitors can look for pink stickers on gallery walls highlighting work under $1,000.
- Each gallery is required to feature the work of at least three artists.
- Galleries are encouraged to educate consumers about payment plans and other methods of acquiring pieces.
- The fair offers educational talks, workshops and activities for kids
The fair itself was started in London by Will Ramsay in 1999 after the success of “Will’s Art Warehouse” a shop with the intention of increasing interest in the contemporary art scene by offering pieces by relatively unknown artists at low prices. Toronto is now one of 15 countries participating in the fair, with this event scheduled to be the 99th show in the series.
Here’s a sneak peak of some work and galleries you will find at the show.
Ilyna Martinez, Untitled 1226, Spence Gallery, $600
Ivan Markovic,”The Ruffian,” Galerie D’Este, $6,000
Ivan Prusac, “White Horse,” #Hashtag Gallery, $4,000
Yury Darashkevich, “Towards the Light,” Abbozzo Gallery, $6,200
Amanda Clyne, “Winterhalter (Olga), Erased, P/M Gallery, $1800
Rafa Macarron, “Noche de Estrellas,” Alison Milne Gallery, $6,800
The Love Art Contemporary Art Fair will take place at Heritage Court, Direct Energy Centre, from May 7-May 11, 2014. Regular admission is $12. If you miss it, stay tuned for the full review!
Header Image: Meghan Hildebrand, “Cumberbund Longline Sunset Turncoat,” Mayberry Fine Art, $3,300
Trish Boon 