21/9/2024
From 17th to 19th September 2024, London Art Collective (LAC) hosted “ART COLLECTIVE: From the One to the Many” at Saatchi Gallery as part of the 22nd London Design Festival. The exhibition explores the relationship between art collectives and individuals by showcasing the impact of collaborative work on society. The contemporary art forum and opening, and opening was held on 18th September from 2 to 6 pm, during which the London Design Festival and LondonArt Collective awarded prizes to the participating artists. The presenters are Nelson Qin (The chief curator of the London Art Collective) and Richards (The guest curator of ART COLLECTIVE: From the One to the Many).
This exhibition features three awards: the Popularity Achievement Award, the Emerging Artist Excellence Award, and the Artistic Innovation Excellence Award. These awards aim to recognise forward-thinking and diverse creative practices, as well as outstanding critical approaches in the works presented. The award-winning artists are: Yi Chen (Popularity Achievement Award), Gutong Chen(Artistic Innovation Excellence Award), and Zhaojuan Sun (Emerging ArtistExcellence Award). The award-winning artists gave a speech, providing the audience with a deeper understanding of the development of their artistic practices and the thinking behind their creations.
Vancouver-based artist and architect Yi Chen received the Popularity Achievement Award, acknowledging his broad appeal and the significant influence of his exhibited works during the festival. His work reflects a commitment to pushing creative boundaries and a vision of art and design as a pure, spiritual practice, embodying clarity, integrity, and a pursuit of faith.
The Emerging Artist Excellence Award winner goes to Zhaojuan Sun, a distinction reserved for artists who have recently emerged and already demonstrated remarkable talent and potential through their contributions to the exhibition. This award aims to inspire and acknowledge their innovation and courage within the realm of art. Zhaojuan Sun’s Interior IV, IVY, and Orchard collectively explore the interplay of classical and modern aesthetics, imaginative ideals of nature, and the cycles of life through richly textured visuals that evoke spaces of vitality, and seasonal abundance.
Gutong Chen earned the Artistic Innovation Excellence Award for pioneering creative methods and unique perspectives. His project raises environmental awareness by highlighting plants' often-overlooked vitality and mobility. Through autonomous installations like The Wind Catcher, which simulates plant responses to sunlight and wind, his work underscores plants' essential role in ecological balance and fosters a deeper appreciation for nature.
This annual award continues LAC’s vision of nurturing talent in contemporary art, advancing research and practice, and encouraging artist participation with an open and diverse approach. It aims to broaden public engagement and amplify the visibility and impact of outstanding contemporary works.