The all new XL Catlin Art Guide 2016 which showcases emerging Artists in the UK is set for release at the London Art Fair which runs from the 20-24 January. This fully-illustrated, limited edition publication, the seventh in a series, has established a strong reputation for championing the most outstanding graduate and postgraduate artists from UK art schools. The book will be presented on stand P25 alongside new work by a selection of the 30 featured artists and available for free throughout the duration of the fair.
The latest edition sees a strong showing from London art schools, with Goldsmiths, Royal Academy Schools, Royal College of Art and Slade School of Fine Art particularly well represented. Painting features heavily, highlighting a range of distinct approaches, from the subtle abstracts of Struan Teague (Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design) through to the cartoon-like motifs of Alex Rathbone (The Glasgow School of Art).
Artists are long-listed by the book’s author, Justin Hammond, on the basis of their degree shows. He follows-up with a succession of studio visits and short interviews before making his final selection. Condensed versions of the Q&As – where artists discuss their ambitions for 2016 and beyond – are included in the book. Additionally, writer and curator of the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, George Vasey, contributes an essay on artists finding strength in numbers after leaving art school.
Artists exhibiting at the book launch include Jane Hayes Greenwood (City & Guilds of London Art School), Riikka Hyvönen (Goldsmiths), Jack Otway (University of Leeds) and Jacob Wolff (Royal College of Art).
Touching on the legacy of the XL Catlin Art Guide, Jane Hayes Greenwood comments: “I’ve been aware of the book since its first year. The selection of artists is always excellent so it’s great to be among those chosen for 2016.”
Riikka Hyvönen adds: “It’s incredibly important to see curators interested in unearthing talented artists and presenting their work in inventive ways.”
The XL Catlin Art Guide is an indispensable source for collectors of contemporary art, and remains the only publication of its kind. Its corresponding exhibition, the annual XL Catlin Art Prize, celebrates its 10th anniversary in May 2016.