Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair, Europe’s largest international art fair for contemporary print, has opened its 9th edition with a packed first night. Showcasing internationally beloved artists alongside emerging talents, the Fair’s unique alternative model is revolutionising the traditional art market, disrupting the elitist nature of art fairs, and pushing the boundaries of print. It features 50% specialist galleries alongside 50% independent artists selected by industry experts from an international artist open call who sit alongside celebrated names and ambitious works in an annual Curated Hang.
Brian Eno, David Shrigley, Harland Miller, Damien Hirst, Stanley Donwood – the artist behind Radiohead’s album covers and Glastonbury’s official artwork, Helen Beard, Charming Baker and YBA godfather Sir Michael Craig-Martin are just some of the leading artists at this year’s Fair. Morag Caister – fresh from a 2024 National Portrait Gallery Portrait Award nomination – and former Turner-prize nominees David Mach and Ian Davenport also feature, plus Julian Opie’s enduringly iconic works.
In the Curated Hang, there are trailblazers like Yinka Illori MBE, who uses design as a storytelling medium, referencing both his British and Nigerian heritage, drawing on Nigerian parables and verbal traditions in landmark public art commissions. Yinka Shonibare RA continues an incredible 2024 in the Curated Hang following his 2024 Whitechapel Gallery Art Icon Award, Serpentine South solo exhibition Suspended States and work in the Nigerian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2024.
Galleries at this year’s Fair include the return of Jealous, the debut of India Rose James-founded Soho Revue, Oliver Projects which Harper’s Bazaar hail as “the perfect place to start a collection”, Paul Stolper Gallery, the almost 100-year-old print institution Pauper Press, leading curators of prints by emerging British artists Art School Prints, Atelier Rose & Gray, The Centre of Print Research from the University of the West of England, East London Printmakers, Rhodes Editions, Wrong Shop, TAG Fine Arts and Anise Gallery.
Lizzie Glendinning, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair says “we are so excited to be welcoming back old friends and introducing new faces for 2024. In anticipation of our big 10th year in 2025, we are working with some exciting partners to give a taster of what’s to come with new releases and big names, while the introduction of a very special VIP programme has really refined our offering this autumn. We are delighted to partner up for a second year with interior design charity, United in Design, whose outreach and objectives very much parallel our own in providing a platform for young people and emerging creatives; while our philanthropic project, Young London Print Prize will expand again to deliver fine art workshops to over 2000 primary school children across some of London’s disadvantaged boroughs.”
Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair runs from 21-24 November at Woolwich Works.
