Culture & Languages

With many of us in lockdown over the next period there will no doubt be ample time to catch up on box sets and the many previous seasons of RuPaul’s Drag race to keep us entertained.

2020 is packed with fascinating and jaw-dropping art exhibitions. Although there are hundreds of notable exhibitions this year, it would be almost impossible to attend them all. I have read about many and compiled a list of what I believe to be the most significant exhibitions dominating the next six months. My choices were based on a number of factors: The artist, the venue and the location, and not just because they are my personal favourites. They explore and highlight significant advancements and achievements in art, crucial debates of the modern day and celebrate the talent housed in our creative institutions.  

Throughout the years, high end retailers and luxury brands alike have been reluctant to market their products online and have shied away from the use of digital selling channels in the past. This is a conscious decision made by influential figures within such companies wanting to preserve the sense of exclusiveness that comes with purchasing from a luxury outlet. However, the way in which consumers are shopping has drastically changed over the last decade with more and more demographics choosing to browse and purchase goods online.

An Annual Celebration

October marks Black History Month in the UK; a yearly commemoration of the accomplishments, contributions and history of black people around the world. Throughout this month, many will be observing and celebrating the achievements of black people both in the present and throughout history. In this post, Alchemy will be looking at highly esteemed black artists and their key artworks.

In the 21st Century climate change is an inescapable, but hard to face aspect of our world. From rising sea levels to melting glaciers and rising temperatures, scarcely a day goes by when we are not confronted by a discussion about climate change. However, in our day to day lives, the immediate impact of climate change can be hard to see (many of us do not live near glaciers or notice the tiny yet devastating yearly changes in temperature that effect our planet).

Recently, the artworld has been dazzled by the sale of Claude Monet’s 1890 painting ‘Meules’. The artwork was sold in an astonishing eight minutes for an eyewatering $110.7million, breaking records for the most an impressionist work has ever sold for. Interestingly, professionals are describing the sale as a ‘bargain’ in comparison to previous sale records – so what are the most expensive artworks ever sold, and what makes them so valuable?

Brimming with magnificent palaces, sumptuous streets and lavish architecture, Vienna is an ideal city to escape into a world of luxury and opulence.  Whether you are a seasoned Art buff or simply a tourist with an appreciation for the finer things, this beautiful Austrian city has something to offer everyone. I was lucky enough to visit last month and have noted some of my favourite places to visit.

Alchemy’s fine art team were delighted to attend the opening exhibition of Qu Leilei’s Echoes at 3812 Gallery in London last month. Echoes is on display from 29th January to 9th March 2019 and if you haven’t visited already make sure you do, it is not to be missed! 

Having worked closely with the 3812, it was fantastic to finally visit the new London location and meet with the Directors behind its transformation, Calvin Hui and Mark Peaker. Thank you very much for the invite!   

Damaged Paintings and the Art of Restoration

Art Authenticity and Attribution

The authenticity of any artwork is questionable. Is it an original? Is it a copy? Who can it truly be attributed to? These factors become more questionable the further back in art history we travel. This might be due to loss of documentation, the nature of style within artistic movements or forgery.

The topic of cuts to Arts funding has been rife within UK news recently. With Arts an already underfunded sector within government spending, the dent in the budget is certain to cause problems not only for the industry directly but also for recruitment and careers within the Artworld.

As 2017 draws to a close and the Art World gets ready for the next year of Art Fairs, Exhibitions and Gallery Openings, it seems fitting to reflect on some of the successes the Art World has experienced over 2017.

Walking towards LAPADA Art Fair you are met with an impressive view of a building that seems to fit perfectly within the high end and opulent area of Berkeley Square, Mayfair. Surrounded by exclusive restaurants, brands such as Rolls Royce and couture fashion houses, the mid eighteenth century sculptured square provides the perfect setting for a splendid display of antique treasures and modern masterpieces. 

From the beginning of Trump’s presidential campaign, the art world has been vocal in its condemnation of his dividing and exclusionary policies. 

Artists around the world are determined to ensure that the many issues surrounding the current Global Refugee crisis remain forefront topics in both media and politics. Through publicity and fund raising from individual artists and art installations or mass scale initiatives, the art world is dedicating itself to transforming the lives of refugees. 

Hidden away in a cosy little side street the exhibits explain and show the artefacts rating to the gorgeous produce and classes are given on history and production. And then there is the shop…. a standard set up for a museum.

The London Art Fair is back in its 28th Edition from the 20th-24th January 2016. Held at the Business Design Centre in London, the fair launches the art world year in an environment to bring together collectors at all levels.