2018 has been an exceptional year for emerging new artistic talent, with many of the notable new names landing on the arts scene being homegrown. Every year, artists from all over the globe descend on the capital to showcase their work, so it comes as no surprise that many of London’s exhibitions, galleries and art showcases have been teeming with art lovers looking to get a glimpse of the work from the hottest new artists of 2018. Before we launch into our favourite new artists of 2018, lets first take a look at some of the emerging themes that have been influencing artists this year.
Politics
It comes as no real surprise in light of the UK’s move to leave the European Union that themes of division have crept into contemporary artwork for 2018. Although the political debate surrounding Brexit rages on, its also given voice to emerging new artistic talent who have used the political landscape as a framework for many of their pieces. And with the world still reeling following the election of President Trump, it seems that our American counterparts are using the political sphere to inspire some of their artwork too.
Gender
The theme of gender, especially gender as a fluid concept, has been at the forefront of several artists this year. With so much attention being paid to the traditional constructs of gender for so long, the last year has seen a break away from these set-in-stone concepts and this has been well represented in the art world for 2018. It’s also interesting that 2018 saw the centenary year for women’s suffrage which brings together socio-political themes and the subject of gender.
Now that we’ve looked at some of the themes emerging in the art world this year let’s take a look at some of our favourite new artists of 2018.
Marcin Kulabko
A Polish-born artist currently residing in Oxford, Marcin Kulabko graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. His work has been recognised internationally, and he has successfully exhibited and sold work to collectors in Denmark, Norway, Poland, China, USA, Holland and here in the UK. Taking inspiration from the movements of people in their natural surroundings, Marcin’s style touches on surrealism with a playful twist where he applies his nameless characters, objects and intricate patterns individually to paper. Using a skillful blend of coloured marker pen, Marcin enhances the lunacy of his work to create his art and highlight the detail in every piece.
Mike Becket
Originally trained as a scenic artist working for The Royal Opera House, Mike Becket has been greatly influenced by his previous roles in terms of themes and concepts for his work. Using an unusual style of painting which sees the artist using a technique of reverse painting on Perspex, his love of colour and figurative painting gives each of his pieces vibrancy and illumination which has set him apart as one of 2018 hottest new artists. Previously exhibiting at The Royal Opera House and at The Beatrice Royal Gallery, as well as mixed shows at galleries such as The Hollywood Road Gallery, Chelsea, the Mall Gallery and the Discerning Eye, Mike has attracted some significant media attention with What’s On magazine commenting: “Mike Becket has worked as a scenic artist and set designer alongside David Hockney, Victor Passmore and Jasper Conran before turning to his own painting and his own themes. The audiences of the ballets and operas he designed are now the focus of his attention, as he paints with witty characterisation, everyone from the figures in the orchestra, people in the stalls and boxes, to backstage glimpses of tired musician enjoying the interval. With warmth and humour, he casts his eye on them all.”
Daniel Horne
Daniel Horne is a Pastellist from the picturesque Dollar in Scotland. The majority of his paintings are created using soft pastel as his belief is that this is the purest medium an artist can use and brings a feeling of richness and depth to his work. Applying the pure pigment in a spontaneous nature, Daniel layers colour to achieve his look through optical blending to create stunning landscapes inspired by his surroundings. Living in an area of such natural beauty, Daniel travels all around Scotland seeking out new vistas to help him create his art.
For more information on any of the new artists featured above or to discuss current artworks for sale, get in touch with a member of the Art2Arts team today to discuss delivery, ordering and finance options on pieces available in our online shop. Alternatively, feel free to contact the artist directly should you have any questions or queries that you wish to have answered by them in person.
