We make no secret of loving London’s rich history as a hotbed of youthful creativity, championing the city’s young artists and their DIY mentalities. For one night only, on Thursday 16th June, the very best young photographers, illustrators and fine artists the capital has to offer will converge in ‘A New Sensation,’ a group show at Shoreditch’s Mother London.
The exhibition is curated by Ashleigh Kane, the current arts and culture editor at Dazed, and Grace Miceli. Grace is a New York-based artist who founded and curated the online showspace Art Baby Gallery, a platform which aims to give exposure to new woman artists.
‘A New Sensation’ will exhibit the work of 20 young artists in London, spanning a variety of genres and styles. Though it’s primarily a celebration of these creatives and their work, the show also has an important political edge. The curators have been quoted saying that the exhibition intends “to prove that even though we’re constantly told we are being priced out of a city that doesn’t appreciate the value of its unique arts scene […] we are able to use creativity as a way to peacefully raise our voices and start new dialogues around the conversations that concern us.”
The selection of artists whose work will be shown is a wide-reaching, exciting mix, and has been formed from all corners of London’s creative scene. We’re especially big fans of photographers Steph Wilson and Francesca Allen whose work embraces the feminine form. Both photographers picture women’s bodies against natural spaces and colourful backdrops, and we love the results they get, always capturing unusual beauty and off guard moments. It’s a kind of aesthetic we’re constantly channelling at Glasshouse.
Much has been said recently of London’s creative landscape and the threat it’s under, however this varied programme proves that the city’s up-and-comers are at the beating heart of London’s (still thriving) creative scene right now. It’s this feeling of ‘right now’ that makes this show so special. Though all of the artists bring something unique to the table, what they share in common is a fun, active spirit showing that the work they’re creating is much needed now more than ever.
Perhaps part of this zest comes from this group’s real time understanding of art, in particular their use of the internet. They are part of one of the first generations of creatives to use social media to expose their work, sharing it freely and enabling the likes of curator Grace Miceli to stumble happily across it and include it in the exhibition.
‘A New Sensation’ is evidence that London remains on top of the global art scene, with many of the world’s most exciting new artists strapping in for a for a one night residency. It’s a quick engagement that seems to channel the fast-moving, contemporary energy of London’s young artists - blink, and you might just miss it.
A New Sensation opens at 7pm, Downstairs at Mother London, Biscuit Building, 10 Redchurch Street, E2 7DD
RSVP to downstairs@motherlondon.com
Cover image: Eleanor Hardwick via i-D magazine
Words: Lauren O’Neill
