London Art Fair visit inspires young artists

A group of GCSE art and photography pupils recently embarked on an inspiring visit to a contemporary art fair, held at London Islington’s Business Design Centre, founded in 1989 and continues to inspire generations of pupils from Great Yarmouth Charter Academy year after year where pupils gain valuable insight into the world of modern art. The pupils, accompanied by their teachers, attended the London Art Fair, which showcased the work of over 120 leading modern and contemporary art galleries from around the world.  

They were able to explore an exceptional line-up of artists across a variety of media, including works by renowned artists such as Francis Bacon, Andy Warhol, Bridget Riley, and David Hockney. In addition to viewing the exhibits, the pupils were also able to attend talks and performances by emerging artists, which provided an in-depth look at the themes and ideas explored in the curated sections of the fair.  

They were able to engage with sensational live performances, immersive installations, and an inspiring programme of talks and tours, which highlighted trends in photographic practice, shared tips on building an art collection, and more. For the first time, the fair also introduced a dedicated Prints and Editions section, which featured galleries focusing on limited editions. This section was particularly appealing to the young art lovers, as it contained affordable works and provided a good entry point for those just starting to build their own art collections. The pupils were also able to explore the Encounters section of the fair, which supported emerging and international galleries often focusing on an individual artist. This section contained a lot of unexpected art and was a great place for the pupils to spend time exploring and gaining new ideas for their own portfolios.  

Gabija, who studies GCSE Photography remarked on her favourite exhibition from the tour saying:

“The photomontage of Ghada Khunji was particularly striking. Her poses are recreated from Frida Kahlo’s iconic self-portraits. Ghada gives insight into her own relationship to her body and the restrictions imposed on it by her heritage and the tension between East and West.” 

Raf, who is thinking about his project piece in GCSE Art and Design on Surrealism was inspired by a special exhibit on a Mexican artist, Guiillermo Monray,

"I was really inspired by the Siger Gallery and the way the artists transformed ordinary objects into something extraordinary. It made me want to create portraits of people who are overcoming their own struggles, just like these artists have. I hope my art can help others find beauty in unexpected places." 

Overall, the visit was a compelling event for art enthusiasts, providing valuable inspiration and a glimpse into the contemporary and modern art landscape. The pupils were able to learn from emerging artists and gain insight into the themes and ideas explored in today's world of art. This experience will undoubtedly inform their own art and photography work and help them to develop their own unique styles and perspectives.