Saatchi Gallery spotlights the art world's new sensations at Frieze Art Fair

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The New Sensations prize
’Untitled (Woven Portico)’, by one of four finalists for the New Sensations prize, Nicolas Feldmeyer.
(Image credit: Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London)

As Frieze Art Fair becomes more and more entrenched on London's art scene, emerging artists are benefiting from the art mania that descends on the city each autumn.

New Sensations is probably the most visible example of that trickle-down effect. Launched just six years ago, the showcase of emerging artists founded by the Saatchi Gallery and Channel 4 is now the largest curated exhibition to take place during Frieze - partly due to joining forces with The Future Can Wait, a survey of young, progressive multidisciplinary artists set up by artist/patrons Zavier Ellis and Simon Rumley.

This week the combined show in the cavernous Victoria House in Bloomsbury Square includes the work of more than 50 artists, once again eclipsing all other exhibitions save for Frieze itself.

That it's free of charge has certainly helped garner attention. Anticipation is also building as to who will win the New Sensations 2012 prize - a career-propelling accolade last year won by Jonny Briggs. Judges, including artists John Stezaker and Richard Wilson, have already whittled down the vast number of entrants to a shortlist of 20, who make up the New Sensations section of the show. These include the four finalists: Nicolas Feldmeyer, Olivia Poppy Coles, Rafal Topolewski and Steven Allan.

A new partnership is also adding fresh intrigue to New Sensation 2012. The Saatchi Gallery has invited Absolut Vodka, longtime art patrons and collaborators with legends from Andy Warhol to Damien Hirst, to create a competition within the competition. The result, Absolut Blank, selected three artists from the New Sensations shortlist to undertake an original artwork using the Absolut bottle as a starting point.

The chosen artists, Jin Han Lee, Antonio Marguet and Natasha Peel, are displaying the end results this week; the winner will secure a funding for a studio space.

The joint show of young talent at Bloomsbury House runs until 14 October.

Portraits, by finalist

’Portraits’, by finalist Olivia Poppy Coles, 2012. 

(Image credit: Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London)

Peely Wally, by finalist

’Peely Wally’, by finalist Steven Allan, 2012. 

(Image credit: Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London)

Jungle 3 and 1

’Jungle 3 and 1’, by finalist Rafal Topolewski, 2012. 

(Image credit: Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London)

The New Sensations show at Bloomsbury House

The New Sensations show at Bloomsbury House also includes work by the shortlisted artists. Pictured is: 'Breakfast in Luxor II', by Rachel Hunt, 2012. 

(Image credit: Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London)

Interests Always Come First

'Interests Always Come First', by Natasha Peel, 2012. 

(Image credit: Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London)

I Am The Walrus

'I Am The Walrus', by Amba Sayal-Bennet, 2012t. 

(Image credit: Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London)

Cometes, by Tereza Zalenkova

'Cometes', by Tereza Zalenkova, 2012. 

(Image credit: Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London)

The River Song

'The River Song', by Aleksandra Wojcik, 2010–2012. 

(Image credit: Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London)

This Fecund Lump

'This Fecund Lump', by Eoghan Ryan, 2012. 

(Image credit: Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London)

An Interior Light

'An Interior Light', by Aileen McEwen, 2012. 

(Image credit: Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London)

Clay, by Alex Ball

'Clay', by Alex Ball, 2012. 

(Image credit: Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London)

Tattooed Lady

'Tattooed Lady', by Amanda Doran, 2011. 

(Image credit: Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London)

Exotic Juice Tutti Frutti

'Exotic Juice Tutti Frutti', by Antonio Marguet, 2011. 

(Image credit: Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London)

Medallion 103

'Medallion 103', by Bartosz Beda, 2011. 

(Image credit: Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London)

Perchino Borzoi

'Perchino Borzoi', by Claire Moore, 2012. 

(Image credit: Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London)

Stripy Sculpture

’Stripy Sculpture’, by Eimear Friers, 2012. 

(Image credit: Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London)

The Forest in Glasgow's Park I

'The Forest in Glasgow's Park I', by Hyojun Hyun, 2011-2012. 

(Image credit: Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London)

Volcano Duck and Three Moo Boxes

'Volcano Duck and Three Moo Boxes', by Jin Han Lee, 2012. 

(Image credit: Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London)

Queen Elizabeth - Fertility Goddess

'Queen Elizabeth - Fertility Goddess', by Nicholas Dedics, 2012. 

(Image credit: Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London)
Ellen Himelfarb

Based in London, Ellen Himelfarb travels widely for her reports on architecture and design. Her words appear in The Times, The Telegraph, The World of Interiors, and The Globe and Mail in her native Canada. She has worked with Wallpaper* since 2006.