The SUNDAY Art Fair

Sunday is not your average art fair. The event sees 20 galleries across ten countries coming together to showcase their like-minded ethics and talented artists. The fair, held in the Ambika P3 building of the University of Westminster, runs for four consecutive days from the 11^th – 14^th October.

Organised by three of the participating galleries: Croy Nielsen (Berlin), Limoncello (London) and Tulips and Roses (Brussels), SUNDAY is a great opportunity to sample the artistic delight of the international world. The Ambika P3 building provides a perfect open-space setting to view the expanse of works curated to sit comfortably together whilst retaining their individuality. The wealth of people on hand to discuss and network with is incredible, owners, artists, collectors and admirers all make the event a rich and educational experience.

Arranged within the open-plan space it is easy to find yourself walking around the fair several times as there is so much to take in. The wealth and range of the works on show are extremely diverse, from video pieces and paintings to installation and sculpture; there is something to excite and enthral everyone.

Some of our personal highlights were works exhibited by Rob Tufnell (London), Gregor Staiger (Zurich) and Frutta (Rome). Rob Tufnell showed works by Ruth Ewan and Stephen Sutcliffe. Ewan’s work consisted of a huge time-piece constructed to introduce the ten hour time system of 1790s France. Often concerned with the reintroduction of the past to the present Ewan’s works, which derived from the quote: “We could have been anything we wanted to be”, were exciting and current despite depicting the past. Sutcliffe’s New Numbers was a reworking of film elements reconstructed to portray internal narratives and was a wonderful juxtaposition to Ewan’s works. The Rob Tufnell gallery is of no fixed abode, an experienced gallerist and curator Tufnell takes on different spaces in London and transforms them into eye catching and thought provoking exhibitions.

Gregor Staiger’s presentation was another favourite. Showing works by three artists, the gallery’s allotted space  in the back room of the fair was a definite draw. Showing works by Glasgow based artists Rachel Bradley, Matthew Richardson and Lucy Stein the gallery crosses disciplines, styles and options of thought. The most striking of the works belonged to Rachel Bradley, whose large digital C-type prints developed from scans of Bridget Riley’s works made for captivating centre pieces. In contrast, Richardson’s Unit sculptures consisted of small cubic redundant instruments that were dotted around the gallery’s space and were both visually stimulating and thought provoking.

Frutta’s very contemporary selection consisted of works by Gabriele De Santis (1983) and Jacopo Miliani (1979). The works, centred around the idea of motion, were very static whilst vivid and thoughtful, showing an intense craftsmanship. Overall there is a wealth of works to see from all over the world which possess the ability to thrill, impress and provoke. Erika Vogt’s films shown by Simone Subal (New York) and paintings shown by Christian Andersen (Copenhagen) are also both must-see pieces. 

As if all the excitement of the combination of 20 international galleries was not enough the fair also boasts an impressive and exciting program of events. Chez Baz Chez Chaz sees curatorial duo Barnie Page and Charlie Hood host an ever-changing cafe/bar. The duo will be enlisting a different artist to remake the space daily with alterations ranging from the look and feel of the space, to consumables and events. Events include Simon Whybray’s green screen studio (Friday 12th) which will give guests the freedom to be anywhere they want in the world. The magazine Elephant launch: Art Pub Quiz, (Friday 7^th – 10^th). James Hines performance and environment pieces (Saturday 13th) and a series of book launches on Sunday, Chez Baz Chez Chaz looks set to be a hub of entertainment throughout the fair. The fair will also host SUNDAY school events, tours and launches over the course of the four days.

SUNDAY has all the creativity and freedom of a degree show, combined with all the class and quality of the hard working successful gallerists who construct it. The scope of the event and range of activities on hand make SUNDAY one of the most exciting events in the cultural calendar and one not be missed.

Ruth Page

SUNDAY takes place from 11^th – 14^th October 2012 at Ambika P3, University of Westminster, 35 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5LS and admission is free to all. For further information please visit the official website.