Fine art is not just a pretty picture for home décor. Over the course of time, art told a story, showed skill and expression of the artist, addressed cultural aspects and political issues. Quality art can take people on a journey, induce different emotions, and even inspire new ideas. Therefore, many art lovers seek destinations where they can marvel at soulful historical pieces, and London Art Week might be just the place.

London Art Week is a celebration of ancient to modern art and culture, featuring exhibitions from both top art galleries in London, and international participants. Art enthusiasts are invited to join over 50 specialist exhibitors and witness paintings, drawings, sculpture and other works of art. What is more, this cultural event has included art auctions from three major auction houses. Thus, visitors could purchase pieces that have sparked inspiration, or would simply make a great centre piece in the living room. The impressive myriad of art exhibitions is situated within walking distance from one another, saving precious time for all involved.

The art event started back in 2013 and faced immediate success. Ever since, London Art Week has been hosted bi-annually, attracting thousands of art enthusiasts and collectors. In addition to famous artists like Raphael, whose 500^th death anniversary was marked in 2020, some past art exhibitions have also focused on minorities and marginalised groups with topics like ‘500 Years of Women Artists’ and ‘Black Presence in Portraiture’. With that said, the importance of diversity in art has been highlighted, as well as the struggles the groups have faced throughout history. Subjects like these bring the cultural event close to the hearts of many.

This December, London Art Week was back with an impressive variety of 40 on-site gallery and auction house exhibitions. The event featured many highlights, as well as live talks. Exhibition goers were able to get immersed into the art of newcomers Patrick Bourne & Co, who specialises in British art, and Koopman Rare Art: a London art auction dealer showcasing antique silver, gold boxes and ‘objets de vertu’.

What is more, the broad choices did not end there. From ancient warriors at Kallos Gallery, to classical pieces at Gallerie Chenel, from medieval saints at Sam Fogg to 20^th Century drawings and watercolours of the human physique at Patrick Bourne & Co. The possibilities of art exhibitions seemed endless, yet exciting at the same time.

One of the highlights of the cultural event was the Italian masterpiece ‘18^th Century Neapolitan Crèche’ which even had its’ own room at the Colnaghi Gallery. The large presepe is considered folk art and has been a speciality of Neapolitan artists since the 13^th century. Showing diversity in art, the piece tells a captivating story, featuring lifelike carved and painted figurines of people, angels and animals, as well as architecture. Visitors could witness the everyday life of 18^th century Neapolitans and the evident influence of religion. Perhaps, time travel is possible after all, except, only through art.

As William Shakespeare summarised life,

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts.”

The exhibition ‘Sickert: The Theatre of Life’ at Piano Nobile told just that. The featured pieces are figure paintings for which Walter Sickert has been most famous for throughout the artist’s lengthy career. Guests were able to witness paintings like ‘Portrait of Mrs Berrett’ with contrasting colours and theatrical props. You could feel the essence of the woman’s character, creating thought provoking analogies between real life and theatre.

Moreover, The Fine Art Society that has galleries in both London and Edinburgh, has brought Scotland to England this winter. It is one of the top art galleries in London and is often confused amongst the art community as being separate from the Edinburgh gallery. The Fine Art Society has decided to showcase Scottish art for this reason and has presented 20^th Century paintings, such as early pieces by James McIntosh Patrick and Joan Eardley.

Art not only provokes thoughts and feelings, but also offers travel in time and space. The human imagination and creativity have, once again, proven to be limitless, introducing people to a brand-new world full of discovery. London Art Week has delivered this December and has inspired art enthusiasts to come back for more.