Despite the fair’s modest scale, stands were busy and so was the packing area – as works were sold new ones were being hung in front of the crowd. There is also a curatorial element to the exhibits, which serves to link artworks and stands throughout the fair. ‘Form–Matter–Material’ celebrates Britain’s rich history of 20^th-century sculpture. Inspired by the recent Modern British Sculpture show at the Royal Academy, curators (and exhibitors) René Gimpel and Peter Osborne decided to put together a selected ‘trail’ of their own. 12 participating galleries exhibited works by Phyllida Barlow, Jann Haworth and Leon Underwood, among many more. It is hoped that ‘Form–Matter–Material’ will draw attention to a few sculptors, and periods of sculpture, which many felt were perhaps sidelined or neglected in the Royal Academy show.

 

Among household names were works by new and emerging British artists. One that caught my eye was Simon Casson, exhibited by Long and Ryle. His works were vivid in colour and still wet from the studio. His smudged and fractured Old Master montages display evident skill with contemporary thought (see above).

 

The British Art Show ends 18 September 2011 at the Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, London. For more information see www.britishartfair.co.uk

 

Image credit: Witherguess by Simon Casson. 2011, oil on canvas, 122 x 137 cm. Courtesy of Long and Ryle gallery.

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