In December 2024 CasildART Contemporary launched its first Winter Art Fair dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the work of Black & Global Majority Artists.
The first event of its kind, the fair is an exciting new initiative designed to celebrate and champion diversity and global perspectives in contemporary art. As always, we aim to highlight the work of contemporary Black artists, however, we also recognise that artists from global majority communities are underserved. This Fair is dedicated to promoting their unique voices, bringing together diverse perspectives across various art forms in one show. The fair opened on 14th December and closes on 15th January and we’d love to invite you to visit the gallery to see the amazing work on display.
Photo credit: n_e_g_o_m_i
Why is the Fair important now?
While efforts are being made around the UK and globally to deconstruct the exclusive and elitist art market, there is still much to be done regarding equity, diversity, and fair representation. Since its inception, CasildART Contemporary has been a pioneer in this space, fostering art appreciation and a vibrant space for art lovers, collectors, and anyone passionate about representation in the art world.
We officially signed the lease on our gallery’s location in Connaught Square in December 2023, and in 2024, we hosted a range of shows and talks – from duos to larger group exhibitions. Our door is always open to those looking to explore meaningful and impactful art.
Our Black & Global Majority Art Fair, however, is unique and groundbreaking in its sheer abundance of creative expression and the manifold array of artistic voices on display. Among this carefully curated collection, we are hosting work from photographers, painters to sculptors and so much more.
Whilst the work itself speaks volumes about the rich variety of artistic potential from members of the Black Global Majority community, hearing from these artists throughout our open call, has brought to light even more how art is such a key form of expression for humanity.
Orunmila by Helena Appio. Limited edition giclee print A2.
So, how did it work?
In September 2024, we put out an open call for artists from the Black and Global Majority diaspora. We were thrilled to receive a host of excellent artwork submissions, which were pitched to a team of expert judges who made their selection. This team included Mikei Hall , Senior Handler at the Tate Galleries and Kaori Homma, senior lecturer at UAL and a practising artist. Whilst it was deeply encouraging and enthralling to look through the magnificent submissions, we had to be meticulous about the pieces we selected for the fair. This was no easy task, with such a high standard of applications. Ultimately, we narrowed down our selection to just over 40 artists, choosing to showcase a roster of over 80 artworks.
Along with their submissions, each artist sent across a short bio explaining their pieces and practice. Reading these, we were able to craft an understanding of each contributor: who they were, what motivated them and what they wanted to achieve. Most importantly, however, we began to understand why art matters to them.
Whispers of Graces by Nazanin Moradi, oil on canvas, 100 x 80 cm
It is often said that an artwork can never truly be extricated from its creator, and indeed here it quickly became evident that the works we were to display would be an amalgamation of a lived understanding of the modern world from perspectives that stretched from Cuba to Jamaica, amongst the African diaspora and beyond.
These artists demonstrate the vivacity and aptitude of groups of people who have been marginalised for far too long, overlooked and excluded from the world of ‘fine art’. The pieces are a challenge and re-definition of these inflicted boundaries and limitations. Not only are personalities and positionalities made visible amongst this collection, but also a developing capacity for creative transformation.
Contemplation 01, Contemplation, 02 and Contemplation 03 by Anji Richards, acrylic and oil on wood board, 15×21.5cm.
Photo credit: n_e_g_o_m_i
About the Fair:
At its heart, the fair sets out to provide an inclusive platform that celebrates creativity and diversity, showcasing a rich array of affordable contemporary art created by UK-based artists from Black and global majority communities.
“We wanted to show our support for these artists, and the best way to do that is to give them a platform while making their work accessible to a wider audience.” (Sukai Eccleston: curator and gallery owner)
However, we understand that exhibition does not equate to representation, and indeed as we’ve striven to prove, can never wholly amount to a fulfilled characterisation. Those we support and present at the gallery often class themselves as ‘emerging’ creators. Indeed, one of our artists in the show Terox Allen, is only 12 years old. However, no terms or descriptions are broad enough to capture each and every artist we have collaborated with here, nor would we want to incur such limitations on them. The phrase Black and Global Majority served us well for this show as a means of expressing a desire to elevate, encourage and empower marginalised communities. In the art world, it takes on an even more loaded meaning, as this is historically a site of inequality, controlled and maintained by rigid and diminishing power dynamics.
Photo credit: n_e_g_o_m_i
To showcase these works, particularly over the holiday period, fulfills a key function which stabilises and facilitates the proper functioning of the contemporary art gallery. This is, of course, to increase awareness. Throughout the exhibition, we have been presenting short videos and biographical information about our contributors on our various platforms. With each new addition to this material, we are contributing to the formation of an expansive and elaborate record of the achievements of the fair.
As much as awareness and representation are crucial in supporting artists, especially those of the Black & Global Majority community, the pillars of artistic merit and stability also rely on accessibility and exposure. Whilst this Fair was specifically crafted to be more accessible than its counterparts, with most artwork prices falling under the £1000, there are nonetheless other take-aways from an art gallery experience. At the gallery we thrive off the chance to talk with our guests, engaging in conversations that span the exhibition to historical art movements from around the world. Apart from a chance to discuss aesthetics with like-minded individuals, we wanted to offer smaller purchasing opportunities for those who may not be able to spend over £100 but still wanted their money to go towards a good cause. The idea of a gallery shop had long been in the background here at CasildART. The shop allows us to provide a platform for the many artists and artisans we work with who create smaller works of art and gifts. Our range of art-inspired merchandise has been created by talented individuals including jewellery, home decor, books, scarves and open edition prints, which are perfect for treating yourself or gifting to friends and loved ones.
Ceramic homewares from a collection designed and created by Denise Williams
Photo credit: n_e_g_o_m_i
Plans for the Future:
We are so proud of this showcase, the ability to provide a platform for these amazing artists, as well as bringing new audiences to revel in this work, and we have had fun doing it too. After all art should be an enjoyable and joyful pursuit.
Our art fair runs until 15th January so there is still time to get your tickets.
We are fully committed to making this an annual event bringing more art from diverse and multi-talented creatives. In addition, our gallery shop is officially here to stay, with artisan pieces on offer for our gallery visitors. CasildART is a social enterprise which means any profits raised from art and merchandise sales will be reinvested in the gallery to support and sustain our work. This reinvestment allows us to continue developing an exhibition programme that includes talks, events, and works, fostering an inclusive space for artistic talent to connect and thrive. If you’re interested in any of these works, or any of the pieces featured in the exhibition brochure, please get in touch at info@casildart.com
Hide and Seek (Amongst the Dahlias) by Errol Theunisson, oil on linen, 50x40cm