Start art fair's third edition at the Saatchi Gallery

Pictured: Exhibit320, by Sumakshi Singh (front); Flutter Of Butterflies Beyond Borders, by teamLab, 2016

As hinted by its name, London’s Start art fair – on view at the Saatchi Gallery – dedicates generous wallspace to emerging talent, from all corners of the globe, many of whom are new to the London art world’s discerning glare – and its deep pockets. Pictured: Exhibit320, by Sumakshi Singh (front); Flutter Of Butterflies Beyond Borders, by teamLab, 2016

(Image credit: Exhibit320)

By Elly Parsons

last updated 12 August 2022

Featuring artworks with a price range of £500 to £50,000, and a geographic range from Buenos Aires to Peckham, the third edition of Start art fair at London's Saatchi Gallery is as diverse as they come.

Expect a balanced selection of group and solo presentations taking over the prominent Kings Road space. Highlights include an impressive first London solo showing of Iraqi-born artist Mahmoud Obaidi's work, which features as part of Saatchi's Start Projects programme. Rooted in the recent history of Iraq, Obaidi’s work uses domestic appliances to make darkly humorous objects exploring the absurdity of war.

Another Start Project, 'Future Island', focuses on a new generation of Taiwanese artists such as Su Yu Xin and Ting Tong Chang, many of whom are internationally renowned for investigating the unique position of Taiwanese culture in a contemporary context.

It is this cross-cultural, young-gun focus that Start hopes will distinguish it from the myriad art fairs in Europe. As hinted by its name, Start dedicates generous wallspace to emerging talent, from all corners of the globe, many of whom are new to the London art world's discerning glare – and its deep pockets.

'I’m really excited by the range of this year’s Start Projects, which go from in-depth presentations of one artist’s practice through to a vibrant group show of Taiwanese art and an artist-curated project,' Niru Ratnam, the fair's director, explains. 'I was also delighted to bring Sumakshi Singh’s project to London, having initially seen it in India earlier this year. Each project strongly links back to our aim of introducing artists and art scenes that are new to London’s audiences.'

Pictured: Byt film Nie ma filmu (there was a film, there is no film), by Piotr Krzymowski, 2016. — The fair is as diverse as they come, with a broad selection of group and solo presentations taking over the prominent Kings Road space. Pictured: *Byt film Nie ma filmu (there was a film, there is no film)*, by Piotr Krzymowski, 2016.

Pictured: Peace, Project Confusionism, by Mahmoud Obaidi, 2013. — Highlights include an impressive first London solo showing of Iraqi-born artist Mahmoud Obaidi’s work, which features as part of Saatchi’s Start Projects programme. Pictured: *Peace, Project Confusionism,* by Mahmoud Obaidi, 2013.

Pictured: Hades, by Amin Montazeri, 2015. — It is this cross-cultural, young-gun focus that Start hopes will distinguish it from the myriad art fairs in Europe. Pictured: *Hades*, by Amin Montazeri, 2015.

Pictured: The Dream of Ruined Lotus, by Mingchun Huang, 2016. — ’I’m really excited by the range of this year’s Start Projects, which go from in-depth presentations of one artist’s practice through to a vibrant group show of Taiwanese art and an artist-curated project,’ Niru Ratnam, the fair’s director, explains. Pictured: *The Dream of Ruined Lotus*, by Mingchun Huang, 2016.

INFORMATION

Start art fair runs from 15–18 September in London. For more information, visit the Start website

ADDRESS

Saatchi Gallery
Duke Of York's HQ
King's Road
London, SW3 4RY

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TOPICS

Saatchi Gallery Art fairs

Elly Parsons is the Digital Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees Wallpaper.com and its social platforms. She has been with the brand since 2015 in various roles, spending time as digital writer – specialising in art, technology and contemporary culture – and as deputy digital editor. She was shortlisted for a PPA Award in 2017, has written extensively for many publications, and has contributed to three books. She is a guest lecturer in digital journalism at Goldsmiths University, London, where she also holds a masters degree in creative writing. Now, her main areas of expertise include content strategy, audience engagement, and social media.