Lion 01 & Detail; All is full of Love, HelloVon
A steady stream of enthusiastic visitors made their way to the first day of Pick Me Up, the Contemporary Graphic Art Fair at Somerset House on London’s Embankment. Selected exhibitors included both well-known and emerging cutting edge illustrators and graphic artists. Brisk trade was taking place in the shop downstairs from the exhibition, where visitors were able to buy affordable prints, limited edition books, T-shirts, china mugs and fanzines.
There was some captivating work on display and the first that visitors sees on entering, is the work of HelloVon. Created by graphic designer Von, who has had a studio in London since 2006, this striking work is commercial and highly successful.
Often working in monochrome, he combines traditional drawing with digital techniques, resulting in pieces that have an immediate and wide appeal. On display at Pick Me Up were his beautiful striking prints of birds and animals and examples of some of his work for sportswear giant Nike.
Howies, 2007; Wallpaper*- Next Generation Issue 2009 - Detail, James Joyce
In great contrast, James Joyce is another London based artist whose work features witty, bold and bright graphics. With his immediate and punchy style, he has attracted successful commissions for clients including Penguin books, The New York Times, Creative Review, Wallpaper*, Wonderland, Cadburys, Orange, Carhartt and Howies.
Patchwork Quilt & Detail, Siggi Eggertsson
An unusual piece was the huge patchwork quilt from Icelandic born artistSiggi Eggertsson which stopped many visitors short in their tracks. Graphic artist Eggertsson is now based in Berlin and has a strong, modern handwriting which has been harnessed by big brands such as Stüssy, H&M and Coca Cola. The quilt is an old piece based on childhood memories that he actually created for his graduation in 2006 from the Iceland Academy of the Arts, ably assisted by Jóhanna Viborg, who sewed it together (taking over 300 hours to make, as its composed of 10,000 pieces).
Pick Me Up runs from April 23 to May 03 at Somerset House, London.
For more information on the fair and to book tickets visit Pick Me Up
