Social media platforms have exploded in popularity over the past few years, bringing distinct transformations to today’s art market. Artists can market themselves and connect with potential buyers and fellow artists in ways they couldn’t before. Physical space is becoming less and less of a communication barrier as technology advances. There is a barrage of digital content constantly at our fingertips, creating a place where fine art and pop culture is accessible and can intermingle seamlessly. Instagram, in particular, is one of the most popular social networking sites for artists, providing a virtual space where they can share progress photos, works for sale, and exhibition photos. This is also an opportunity for artists to engage with their followers by responding to feedback and sharing personal tidbits about their personal lives (selfies and cat photos included). The savviest users utilize Instagram’s algorithms and hashtags wisely to gain a broader following, allowing their art to be accessible to the masses.
“The internet and more recently social media has had a profound impact on artists. It has broken open the traditional models of establishing careers and allowed artists of similar mindsets to find each other and work in solidarity. This Instagram show aptly illustrates this emerging model; Paintguide has brought together artists with differing styles and aesthetic sensibilities, all of whom however, share a passion for the visual arts.”- Jeremy Geddes
Paintguide
Unit London explores this interesting interaction between digital works on social media and work in a traditional physical space in their upcoming show Paintguide. “The World’s First Instagram Art Show” gives viewers the opportunity to back away from their screens and view sixty works by sixty of biggest names in contemporary art. These talented individuals have been featured on the popular Instagram page @Paintguide over the past year, and will be brought together for this highly anticipated show. Paintguide is a page developed and curated by figure painter Henrik Uldalen, set up to showcase works that personally inspire him and his guest curators. This resulted in an online community being built around the admiration, advancement, and promotion of fellow artists’ creations. As a result, Paintguide has formed a beautiful network of artists supporting artists.
Joe Kennedy and Jonny Burt, founders of Unit London, are pleased to present such an engaging, revolutionary show for the viewing pleasure of the public. Unit London is not only interested in showcasing these world-renowned artists, but to start a dialogue about social media and the evolution of the consumption and viewing of traditional media. To consciously think about the digital era and its impact on nearly every part of our lives is a part of being cognizant of our interactions with the world around us. By launching such a show such as this, Henrik Uldalen and the Unit London team are preserving a traditional aspect of showcasing artwork while exploring and embracing digital representation of visuals.
Private viewing November 26th | 6-10PM
Exhibition Dates:
November 26 – December 23, 2015
Monday–Sunday 11AM – 7PM
147-149 Wardour Street, Soho, London W1F 8WD
United Kingdom
For purchasing information and availability, please contact the gallery directly at [email protected]
Featured Artists:
Aaron Nagel, Alessandra Maria, Allison Sommers, Andrew Hem, Andy Espinoza, Amy Sol, Anthony Hurd, Anthony Waichulis, Aron Wiesenfeld, Ashley Oubre, Audrey Kawasaki, Benjamin Björklund, Brad Kunkle, Brandon Holt, Casey Baugh, Casey Weldon, Conrad Roset, Dan Quintana, David Kassan, Daniel Ochoa, Eloy Morales, Eric Fortune, Erik Jones, Esao Andrews, Greg “Craola” Simkins, Henrik Uldalen, Hollis Dunlap, Hsiao Ron Cheng, Ivan Alifan, Jake Wood-Evans, Jean-Paul Mallozzi, Jeff Hein, Jeremy Geddes, Jeremy Mann, João Ruas, Joel Rea, Julio Reyes, Kai Samuels-Davis, Kenichi Hoshine, Kevin Llewellyn, Kim Cogan, Kit King, Linsey Levendall, Marco Mazzoni, Martin Wittfooth, Morten Thyholt, Matt Martin, Michael Hussar, Nicomi Nix Turner, Richey Beckett, Ryan Hewett, Sail, Sam Wolfe Connelly, Sverre Malling, Serge Marshennikov, Sean Cheetham, Shawn Barber, Tom Bagshaw, Tony Curanaj, Vincent Xeus
Gale by Henrik Uldalen
C.Study by Daniel Ochoa
Jaece by David Kassan
Another Idea by Jean Paul Mallozzi
Study of an Author by Jake Wood Evans
Fury 4 by Jeremy Geddes
Brave This Storm by Joel Rea
The Crossing by Kai Samuels-Davis
Talulah by Linsey Levendall
Heizer by Ryan Hewett
Tony D’Annessa’s Hands by Shawn Barber
