Preview: The Other Art Fair 2018

The Other Art Fair, the leading art fair that places artists rather than galleries before the art-buying public, returns to Bristol for its fourth instalment from July 26-29. One hundred artists, including a handful of local names, have been selected for the biggest Bristol fair to date, in its new location at The Passenger Shed next to Temple Meads station.

Some 75 per cent of the artists at this instalment will be new to the Fair, which – as well as artists from the UK – will showcase talent from Finland, Portugal, USA, France, Spain, Germany and Italy.

Bristol artists exhibiting include landscape painter Victoria Young Jamieson; Jessie Woodward, who mixes fluorescent paints, glitter and drawing materials in an exploration of colour and texture; textile designer Annie Clay, who creates characterful printed patterns and artwork for clothing, accessories, homeware and stationery; Brook Tate, who creates vibrant, photo-realistic portraits of humans and animals on wood panels; and Anna Higgie – illustrator for the Bristol 24/7 website’s Bristol Breakfasts series – whose colourful installation will welcome visitors to the Fair. Notably, this year’s Bristol Fair also features a very strong showing by female artists – some 64 per cent of the total roster.

As ever, you’ll find a broad mix of art, ranging from photography, stencilling, painting, sculpture, mixed media, ceramics to street art with prices starting from £100. And, as ever, visitors will be able to talk directly with the artists.

There’s plenty to do besides viewing and buying art, too. New for this year is the Art on a Postcard Street Art vs Street Photography auction, featuring donations from amazing artists including Harland Miller, Dougie Wallace, Shuby and Acrylicize. Elsewhere, the Fair has received hundreds of submissions for Bristol Instagrammers’ #IGersBrickVsBloom installation; Spike Print Studio artist Justyna Mellon will be doing free live printing workshops; and a special Other Friday Late session will feature DJs, secret performances and talks.

The Other Art Fair is very much a fair for artists rather than galleries. What’s the thinking here? “There are thousands of great artists out there who do not have gallery representation,” Fair Manager Jessica Chow explains. “We offer a platform for them to exhibit and sell their work without having to rely on the traditional gallery system.

“For visitors, interacting with artists rather than galleries creates a unique atmosphere and art-buying experience. Rather than talking to a gallery sales person, you can connect directly with the artist, hear about the processes and ideas behind the artwork, and discover things you would never find out from a gallery. It’s much more personal.”

Is an art fair a more welcoming, accessible place for the lay art buyer, than a gallery or online store? “Definitely!” Jessica enthuses. “Art fairs are the perfect place for people to learn more about what art they like, as there is so much on show. Online is also great for this, but nothing beats seeing a piece in real life, especially when you can meet the artist too. Galleries can often be a bit intimidating, and limiting in the artwork they show.”

This is the fourth Bristol instalment. How fruitful a host city is Bristol proving to be? “Bristol has so much artistic talent – and a great support network for independent artists. Every year the fair has grown. We’re really excited to move venues to The Passenger Shed this year – a move that has enabled us to increase by 20 per cent our number of exhibiting artists, and to add an extra day!”

The Other Art Fair The Passenger Shed, July 26-29. For more info, visit bristol.theotherartfair.com