For the Love of London
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For Sarah Monk, director of the London Art Fair (Jan 16-20), now in its 31st year, the city is the cultural capital of the world, a fascinating window on the art world, and her home for the past 23 years. Her position at the fair gives her a unique perspectivFor the Love of London
For Sarah Monk, director of the London Art Fair (Jan 16-20), now in its 31st year, the city is the cultural capital of the world, a fascinating window on the art world, and her home for the past 23 years. Her position at the fair gives her a unique perspective on both the city and its art scene.Monk joined the fair 18 years ago, initially working with galleries and developing strategy around the different sections of the fair. She worked in a variety of other roles before becoming director in 2013.In an interview with Blouin Artinfo, she talks about this year’s edition of the London Art Fair, its new section, her love of the diverse Islington neighborhood and other favorite spots in town.Are you from London originally?No, actually I’m originally from Belfast but I’ve worked in London for the last 23 years now.What keeps bringing you back to London?Primarily London Art Fair, but London is the cultural capital of the world and the range and quality of its many word class art institutions is second to none. I also like to follow the artists and developments of those local galleries participating in London Art Fair and enjoy being able to hop around town to visit their exhibitions.What can visitors expect from this year’s edition of the fair and what are you most excited for specifically?As with every year, our aim is to provide a space to showcase the most exceptional Modern and Contemporary art of our time, but this year I’m particularly looking forward to our brand new section for 2019 — Platform — which this year takes ceramics as its theme. It will allow invited galleries to present a combination of well-known, overlooked and emerging artists working in ceramics as well as highlighting a number of galleries across the fair with ceramics featuring in their presentations. Ceramics has been enjoying somewhat of a revival in the art world the last decade, so it will be great to celebrate this at the fair. Platform features significant names such as Lucy Rie, one of the 20th century’s most celebrated studio potters, alongside some of today’s most exciting emerging makers, such as Claudia Clare from Zuleika Gallery.Would you recommend a place where visitors could relax after a long day at the fair in the area of Islington?We are incredibly fortunate to have a fantastic selection of cultural destinations, bars and restaurants right on the doorstep of the fair. Parasol Unit Foundation for Contemporary Art is an amazing not-for-profit art institution founded by art historian and curator Ziba Ardalan. Its thought-provoking exhibition program has introduced a host of international artists to London’s public and lunch at their Sardine restaurant for some delicious southern French cooking is always a must. As part of London Art Fair’s education program, visitors to the fair are invited to join an interactive workshop inspired by and in association with Parasol Unit’s forthcoming exhibition by Korean artist Hyon Gyon.What do you think of this neighborhood in London? Is it one of your favorites, and why?I think Islington is a great area, it’s within a stone’s throw of Central London and there’s always so much to do, whether it’s eating out, catching a gig or a play, or discovering some great art at London Art Fair or one of the neighborhood galleries such as James Freeman Gallery and TAG Fine Arts. The Almeida Theatre is only a five-minute walk and is a great place to catch a play and unwind.Are there any special foods one should try that are unique to this neighborhood?I think the best thing about London is that there are so many different cuisines on our doorstep, it would be very hard to pick any one thing out in particular and like London Art Fair, Islington has all four corners of the globe represented. My current favorite is a great little Korean restaurant called Masigo, which is conveniently located between our offices and the venue. Interestingly there is also a strong representation of Korean artists at this year’s fair including a solo show by Ilkwon Yoon in Art Projects, who was the recipient of this year’s SOLO art award in Art Projects.Where would you recommend newcomers to have dinner in London?I would definitely recommend Bellanger, a traditional French brasserie and grand cafe in Islington. It has the atmosphere of an original Parisian brasserie with food inspired by classics from Alsace with French and German influence and there’s even live music every evening. Visitors can also enjoy the Bellanger prix fixe menu with a glass of house wine, plus a day pass to the fair for only £30 per person.What are your two favorite cultural places in London?There are so many it’s hard to pick just two, but I would suggest a couple that may be more off the beaten track to new visitors to London. Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art is only a 15-minute walk from the fair. It’s a Grade II listed Georgian town house that hosts an internationally-renowned collection of Futurist works, as well as figurative art and sculpture dating from 1890 to the 1950s. We’re looking forward to their Director Roberta Cremoncini participating on a panel discussion on the Thursday of the Fair. I would also recommend the Photographers’ Gallery in Soho, the UK’s leading photography gallery. This passion for the medium is something London Art Fair shares, and on the Friday of the Fair we are holding our Photography Focus Day, featuring discussions inspired by the Photo50 exhibition “Who’s looking at the family, now?”Where do you go or what do you do when you need a moment to relax or enjoy some quiet in London?London is blessed with lots of parks. Obviously, the Serpentine in Hyde Park is a particular favorite, and of course is home to the two Serpentine galleries.Where would you recommend people stay in London?I would recommend ACE Hotel in Shoreditch. Alongside being our official Hotel Partner we’re also thrilled to have collaborated with ACE’s arts programme and will have work by two London Art Fair artists — Jade Montserrat (Iniva) and Xiao-yang Li (Narrative Projects) — installed at the hotel during the week. We’re also hosting an exclusive after party at their Miranda venue as part of our Thursday Late on January 17th.https://www.blouinartinfo.com/ Founder: Louise Blouin Read more