Katherine’s Journal of Masterpiece London 2019

After an inspiring day at Masterpiece London 2019, we’re sharing some of Katherine’s favourite works from this year’s Fair.

Exceptional Avant Garde works from 1956 and 2015

Two of Katherine’s favourite works presented at this year’s Masterpiece 2019 were created by famous avant-garde artists from across the eras and from entirely different backgrounds.

Antonio Saura (1930-1998)

‘Brita’ Oil on Canvas 

Antonio Saura was a largely self-taught Spanish post-war painter, considered to be one of the most important avant-garde artists of his time.

 

Fredrikson Stallard 

‘Armchair Species III’

The collaborative art and design studio, Fredrikson Stallard is made up of artists Patrik Fredrikson and Ian Stallard, whose furniture and sculptures are recognised as examples of the British avant-garde.

 

Tàpies Mixed Media Assemblage at Masterpiece 2019

Antoni Tàpies

‘Ochre with Six Collages‘

One of the most notable, must-see exhibits at Masterpiece 2019 had to be Antoni Tàpies ‘Ochre with Six Collages’ exhibited by Gallery Mayoral; a great example of his informal works with the assemblage of unconventional, non-artistic materials. The Spanish painter, sculptor and art theorist started working with mixed media and assemblage in 1953 using clay, marble dust, waste paper string and rags. As one of the first artists to create serious art in this unusual and informal way, this art movement is often considered to be his most original contribution to art.

“Today, when sourcing and buying work for clients, I can clearly see the lasting influence of Tàpies later works: his minimalist, refined palette and exploration of the aesthetic of emptiness is clear in the work of several accomplished contemporary artists.” – Katherine Maginnis 

Artwork Crafted with Cultural Influence

Hiroshi Senju

’Waterfall’

Whilst sourcing work for clients several years ago, Katherine first discovered the work of renowned Japanese painter, Hiroshi Senju whose art is collected by the worlds’ most prestigious museums. Best known for his monochromatic and meditative depictions of waterfalls, you can view one of his monumental ‘Waterfall’ installations at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, or visit his mesmerising large-scale works in the Sundaram Tagore Gallery stand at this year’s Fair.

Inspired by traditional Japanese landscape painting, Senju works with the materials and techniques of his practice. Using traditional Japanese materials including bespoke washi paper (Mulberry paper), pigments made from minerals, ground stone and shells, he constructs a visual language rooted in Abstract Expressionism.

 

Anila Quayyam Agha

‘Crossing Boundaries’

Whilst exploring Masterpiece 2019 Melanie Taylor, Director at Sundaram Tagore Gallery introduced Katherine to the works of accomplished emerging artist, Anila Quayyum Agha. The Pakistani-American born artist creates complex and contemplative immersive works inspired by Islamic architectural forms. Her laser-cut steel installations are displayed suspended from the ceiling and lit from within the geometric and floral patterns; the interplay between steel structures and light cast intricate shadows that ripple and change as visitors move through the space.

“I was particularly impressed with her lacquered steel and halogen bulb light sculptures, as well as her ‘All the Flowers are for Me’ series of mixed media on paper and embroidery.” – Katherine Maginnis 

Katherine’s inherent passion for sourcing unique and inspiring artwork for her clients lies at the heart of Katherine Maginnis’ Contemporary Arts Agency. As an experienced curator and consultant, visiting art fairs, exhibitions, galleries and graduate shows is an important part of the sourcing process; helping Katherine regularly uncover new art and artists to not only introduce to her impressive clientele, but also add to her growing online collection. With no alignment or affiliations to any particular gallery or artist, Katherine uses her unbiased, expert-eye to objectively source and select works.

To discover Katherine’s online collection of independently-curated works, click here.