Every year, the postgraduates of prolific London art institution, Central Saint Martins, auction their work as a means of funding. As we all know, art materials are not cheap – so every little helps for students undergoing creative degrees.
This innovative way of raising money has helped enormously over the past 10 years, having previously supported the cost of exhibition spaces and installation, the show’s catalogues and the external critical feedback which is vital for students’ development. Recruiting an array of artists working through a number of mediums, CSM is not only giving you the opportunity to support emerging artists, but also the chance to invest in pieces by established artists. Previous contributors include CSM alumnus and film director, Joshua Oppenheimer, who was Oscar nominated for “The Act of Killing” and “The Look of Silence”, 2016’s MAC Internation Art prize shortlister, Nickolas Ventouraskis and UK Young Artists contenders Emma Corrall and Kristaps Ancans.
Kicking off today, the Silent Auction and viewing will run from 17.30 – 20.15 pm, with the hour-long live auction following at 18.45 pm. Here are SLEEK’s top 5 pieces to blow your cash on:
James Tailor, “Consumption 7491”
This sculptural piece by James Tailor is a bold alternative to the traditional painting above the fireplace. With Kanye West already a fan, this piece is definitely one worth investing in.
Benjamin Samuel Lansky, “Planes” (Reconstruction series)
Lansky’s cyan inkjet print showcases plane contrails across a vivid sky. With the off-kilter framing and large white space, the abstract depiction is only given away due to its name. A photography student, Lansky utilises various mediums in his hefty portfolio of work.
Jack Marder, “Anyone wanna have dinner on skype together?”
Engaging mainly with digital practice, this artist is interested in the idea of “finding escapism in the electronic screen and the internet’s power to make one passive through human-computer interaction”. Examining contemporary and cultural issues concerning excess, Marder’s work is made in part by audience reaction.
Hugo Brazao, “Hammer 1”
Interested in how the human eye is naturally inclined to humanise what it sees, this muralist, sculptor, painter and drawer focuses his work on how this idea can blur the lines between reality and fiction.
Kirstin Barnes, “Somebody’s Mother 3”
Currently interested in the idea of the “uncomfortable” and the “prurient”, this image is from a series of work by photographer Kirstin Barnes, which features performance artists Kate Spence, and will in time become a film installation.
All imagery courtesy of Central Saint Martins