Meet London’s Rising Art Stars: 31 Influential Movers and Shakers
In a city known for its creative and innovative thinkers, London is home to a diverse group of artists, curators, and visionaries who are shaping the modern art scene.
While the city has long celebrated established figures, it’s time to acknowledge the newer and lesser-known champions who are making their mark in the art world.
Jadé Fadojutimi: The Young Talent Taking the Art World by Storm
Jadé Fadojutimi, a graduate of the Royal College of Art, has gained global recognition with her colorful and emotionally charged abstract paintings inspired by nature.
She made history as the youngest artist to be acquired by Tate and featured in the Venice Biennale.
With representation by Gagosian, her future shows promise to be major events.
Michael Armitage: A Prolific Kenyan Painter Making Waves
Since his 2021 exhibition at the Royal Academy, Michael Armitage has achieved remarkable milestones, from designing a new £1 coin for The Royal Mint to becoming a Royal Academician.
His dreamlike works inspired by news, pop culture, and Kenya are gaining international acclaim.
He’s also nurturing East African artists through the Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute.
Morag Caister: Rising Star in Portrait Art
Morag Caister, a recent graduate from Brighton University, is quickly making a name for herself.
She was awarded the 2022 Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year and had the honor of painting Sir Lenny Henry’s likeness for the National Portrait Gallery.
Her tender works have garnered widespread appreciation.
Heather Agyepong: A Force to Be Reckoned With
British Ghanaian visual artist and actor Heather Agyepong is known for her photography series “Wish You Were Here,” which pays tribute to Victorian figure Aida Overton Walker.
She has also taken the stage in notable productions and challenged racial insensitivity in the art world.
Andrew Pierre Hart: Bridging Sound and Painting
Andrew Pierre Hart explores the relationship between sound and painting, capturing the essence of people, landscapes, and mantras in his large, spontaneous works.
He also plays a role in educating the city’s talent through talks and exhibitions.
Josef O’Connor: Artistic Director of Circa Art
Josef O’Connor is the founder and artistic director of Circa Art, a platform that has showcased works by renowned artists like David Hockney, Michèle Lamy, Ai Weiwei, Pussy Riot, and the Dalai Lama on digital billboards, raising funds for the creative community.
Katy Hessel: The Art Historian Challenging the Status Quo
Katy Hessel is an art historian, author, Guardian columnist, and curator known for creating “The Great Women Artists” podcast and Instagram account.
She challenges mainstream art history by offering a female perspective.
Noma Bar: Graphic Artist Extraordinaire
Noma Bar’s bold and colorful graphic art has left an indelible mark, from illustrating editions of Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” to contributing to major publications and brands.
His work is as captivating as it is ubiquitous.
Sin Wai Kin: A Turner Prize Nominee Shaping Cultural Norms
Sin Wai Kin, formerly known as Victoria Sin, is a non-binary performance artist challenging cultural norms around desire, identity, and objectification.
A Turner Prize nominee, their work is thought-provoking and inspiring.
Julianknxx: Exploring the African Diaspora Through Art
Julianknxx is an interdisciplinary artist, poet, and filmmaker who explores the African diaspora with powerful clarity.
His work inspires dialogue and offers a unique perspective on the cultural experience.
Phoebe Saatchi Yates and Arthur Yates: Championing Emerging Artists
Phoebe Saatchi Yates and Arthur Yates, gallery owners, have become known for supporting underrepresented artists.
They have provided a platform for emerging talents and are set to host exhibitions that promise to be extraordinary.
Zina Vieille and Nnamdi Obiekwe: Creating Access for Emerging Artists
Zina Vieille and Nnamdi Obiekwe, the creators of VO Curations, aim to provide emerging artists with affordable studio space and support for exhibitions and residencies.
They are breaking down barriers for entry into the art world.
Bolanle Tajudeen: Empowering Marginalized Communities Through Art
Bolanle Tajudeen, curator, established the Black Blossoms School of Art and Culture to educate individuals interested in the art of historically marginalized communities.
The school’s projects promote resilience in a challenging political landscape.
Jose Campos: Vibrant Art Reflecting Personal Experiences
Jose Campos, an El Salvadorian artist, reflects on his experiences fleeing civil war and his journey as an “illegal” immigrant through vibrant, figurative paintings.
His work celebrates resilience and defiance.
Lynette Yiadom-Boakye: Master of Mysterious Portraits
Lynette Yiadom-Boakye is known for her intimate and enigmatic portraits of imaginary characters.
With retrospectives at Tate Britain and a strong presence on Instagram, she’s a rising star in the art world.
Larry Achiampong: Unraveling Pop Culture and Colonization
Larry Achiampong explores the connections between pop culture and colonization through various mediums, including film, still imagery, and sound.
His Bafta-nominated film “Wayfinder” offers a unique perspective on contemporary issues.
Charlie Siddick: Supporting Artists and Charitable Causes
Charlie Siddick, curator and founder of Purslane Art, empowers artists to receive more of the profits from their works.
The platform directs its cut to charitable causes, making art collection a socially conscious endeavor.
Eileen Cooper, OBE: A Whimsical Artist and Equality Advocate
Eileen Cooper, an artist and advocate for equality, is known for her figurative work and her role as the first-ever woman “Keeper” at the Royal Academy.
Her contributions have transformed the art institution.
Joe Scotland, MBE: Director of Studio Voltaire
Joe Scotland, director of Studio Voltaire, plays a pivotal role in supporting emerging and underrepresented artists through exhibitions, studio spaces, and global partnerships.
He has made significant contributions to the creative community.
Qualeasha Wood: Redefining Tapestry in the Art World
Qualeasha Wood, a Philadelphia-based artist, made a significant impact in London’s art scene with her innovative tapestry exhibition at the Pippy Houldsworth Gallery.
Her works explore the Black, queer femme experience in the digital realm.
Josh Woolford: A Multifaceted Artist and Mentor
Josh Woolford, a transdisciplinary artist, channels his energy into confronting experiences of violence, aggression, and misalignment through various artistic mediums.
He also mentors emerging creatives and lectures at esteemed institutions.
Aindrea Emelife: A Curator and Writer Shaping Art Culture
Aindrea Emelife is a historian, curator, and writer with a global presence. She curates exhibitions, writes for renowned publications, and
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