The Other Art Fair 2014: Culture24 talks to some of the rising stars

This article originally appeared on Culture24.

Culture24 spoke to some of the artists at this year's Other Art Fair, set in a vast room filled with colours, textures and personalities at London's Old Truman Brewery
Icelandic artist Frikkx displayed alluring, magical, seemingly floating work

Now London-based, by day Frikkx works for a software company, but says creating art is “where the soul breathes.”

“Everything in the world has been photographed, so I wanted to create something that didn’t exist except for within the frame,” he says.

“Somebody said to me, find what you’re obsessed about and do that. I’m obsessed with circles, so I started doing the circles.”


Megan Revell showcased warm, intriguing, reflection-filled photographs of London’s streets and urban landscapes

“I like taking pieces in different parts of London, which are kind of hidden – not really well known,” says the artist, who is originally from Kent.

To reveal London’s hidden beauty, she takes three photographs at different exposures, resulting in a hyper real image.

“I prefer East London, because I find the urban landscapes much more interesting there,” she says.


Michael Wallner, who formerly worked in the TV industry, showcased an array of vibrant, playful pieces highlighting London’s most iconic landmarks and landscapes

“I like the landmarks because they have very distinctive shapes,” he says, describing himself as London’s biggest fan.

“The Gherkin is curved, the cheese grater is like a triangle. I like the shape of the Thames as it curves through London.

“Lots of people do London prints, so the trick is to try and find something different, to make London look different.”


Rococo Wonderland’s bold artwork contrasted glowing neon lights against revealing personal sentiments

Despite being relatively new to the art world, only having made neon art for a year and a half, Rococo says she’s always had a creative release. She previously made costumes.

“This is to do with how I felt about someone,” she says, describing one of her works.

“I think of what I really want to say, and throw in loads of other things, some of which are mine, some of which are things I’ve witnessed in others – I’m not scared of spiders, but lots of people are.

“My stuff is in there, but sometimes it’s hidden.”


Vas Zavialov, a full-time Graphic Designer, showcased intricate self-portraits as well as his playful slang project which was inspired by his book: Things You Might Know About Slang

“I was experimenting with how the language is very visually creative – the language of slang and youth,” he says.

Vas - whose parents are both Fine Artists - says he explored images in the words, which lead to the Map of London.

“This is the unseen background of London,” he reveals.


Ryan Stanier, the Director of The Other Art Fair, said the fair had exhibited 3,250 artworks, attracting a record 13,125 visitors

“The issue isn’t attracting people to an art fair or any sort of art event,” he says.

“The issue is actually trying to get people in that are serious buyers.

“The artists participating want to sell their work, that’s the purpose of an art fair.

“The challenge is finding the right people; it’s not just simply about numbers.”

• The Other Art Fair was held October 16-19 2014.

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Source: http://www.culture24.org.uk//art/art505006-the-other-art-fair-2014-culture24-talks-to-some-of-the-rising-stars