The Other Art Fair, The Old Truman Brewery

The Other Art Fair is now an international event, with editions in London, Sydney, Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Melbourne, Chicago and Bristol. Its perennial appeal is rooted in the fact that you buy directly from the artist, rather than through a gallery, and every one of the 140 exhibitors are chosen by a panel of industry experts, so you know you’re getting the cream of the crop.

The fair offers everything from prints and ceramics to sculpture and photography, with prices starting from as little as £50. And its relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect place to start if you have never bought art before. There’s no harm in just browsing, either. Rarely do so many artists gather in one place, so it is the perfect opportunity to stop and chat with some of the art world’s freshest faces.



Gary Baseman's The Purr Room

There will also be plenty of opportunities to contribute to art in the making, and perhaps even clear your conscience in the process. Rebecca Mason’s Neon Health Service (NHS) Department of Light Therapy installation the Sorry Stall, will bring together the best (and the worst) apologies that visitors have to offer in atonement for past misdemeanours, as part of a neon work to be unveiled later in the year. In a similar vein, Upcyle, a project curated by Kate Bryan, Head of Collections at Soho House, will give unwanted artworks a makeover, courtesy of exhibiting artists. So don’t forget to bring along that faded print that has been gathering dust in the attic for years.

In keeping with the playful nature of this year’s fair, LA-based artist Gary Baseman will bring his interactive installation The Purr Room to London. Visitors will get to experience the healing power of his cat Blackie in a cosy tent-like construction, which will be filled with the soothing sound of purring. Baseman is known for his off-beat, cartoony creations. Should you want a souvenir of your experience with Blackie, 200 limited edition prints will be made available.

Art fairs always offer that promise of discovery, that feeling that you might find a treasure that proves to be a solid investment. But what The Other Art Fair adds to the experience is a sense of fun. And in a world that often takes itself too seriously, a little bit of light relief goes a long way.