Bloomberg New Contemporaries 2018

Bloomberg New Contemporaries 2018 is set to open at the South London Gallery (SLG), 5 December 2018, and marks the return of New Contemporaries to the gallery for the first time in nearly 20 years.

As the leading UK organisation supporting emergent art practice from British arts education, New Contemporaries offers an insight into today’s creative practices, showcasing some of the most dynamic work being made.

57 artists have been chosen for the annual open submission exhibition by a panel of guest selectors comprising Benedict Drew, Katy Moran (New Contemporaries alumnus 2006) and Keith Piper (New Contemporaries alumnus 1986). For the first time New Contemporaries includes artists from non-degree awarding courses with 10 artists from non-accredited courses taking part in this year’s exhibition.

Selected artists for Bloomberg New Contemporaries 2018 are: Agil Abdullayev, Kobby Adi, Ayo Akingbade, Annie-Marie Akussah, Chris Alton, Louis Bennett, Jack Burton, Christian Noelle Charles, Kara Chin, Faye Claridge, Jack Fawdry Tatham, Emma Fineman, Rhona Foster, Deme Georghiou, William Glass, Carrie Grainger, Madelynn Mae Green, Habib Hajallie, Camilla Hanney, Rebecca Harper, Sam Henty, Mimi Hope, Richard Ayodeji Ikhide, FC Izaac, Osian Jenaer, Patrick H. Jones, Jessica Jordan-Wrench, Marianne Keating, Gareth Kemp, Yushi Li, Shao-Jie Lin, Heidi Maribut, Alexi Marshall, Jocelyn McGregor, Holly McLean, Paula Morison, Yuko Obe, Kamile Ofoeme, Panicattack Duo, Jack Pell, Ralph Pritchard, Anna Reading, Maïa Régis, Bella Riza, Francisco Rodriguez, Janet Sainsbury, Mohammed Sami, Antonia Showering, Shy Bairns, Wal Slzr, Tom Smith, Alcaeus Spyrou, George Stamenov, Viviana Troya, Rosa Johan Uddoh, Tom Waring and Yanghwa.

Presenting a curated cross-section of drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, performance and video, the works on show address issues ranging from migration and borders, cultural and gender identity through to the use of technology.

Throughout the exhibition's history a wealth of established artists have participated in New Contemporaries exhibitions including post-war figures Frank Auerbach and Paula Rego; pop artists Patrick Caulfield and David Hockney; YBAs Damien Hirst and Gillian Wearing; alongside contemporary figures such as Tacita Dean, Mark Lecky, Mona Hatoum, Mike Nelson and Chris Ofili; whilst more recent emerging artists including Ed Atkins, Monster Chetwynd, Rachel Maclean and Laure Prouvost have also taken part.

Kirsty Ogg, Director, New Contemporaries, says, “For nearly seven decades, we have played a significant role in giving a visibility to generations of emerging UK-based artists. For the first time this year, New Contemporaries includes artists from non-degree awarding courses resulting in a playful and thought-provoking exhibition underpinned by theoretical and critical debate. We are delighted to partner with the South London Gallery with both organisations sharing a sensibility in how they support and work with artists to give practice visibility and longevity.”

Margot Heller, Director of the South London Gallery, says “It is fantastic to welcome back New Contemporaries for the first time in almost two decades. We are delighted that the opening of the South London Gallery’s new Fire Station annexe has afforded us the capacity to showcase works by this diverse and fascinating range of artists across our spaces. The SLG has a long history of supporting artists through our post-graduate-in-residence scheme and young people’s programmes and we are looking forward to presenting this exciting exhibition by emerging artists from across the country.”

As a National Portfolio Organisation, New Contemporaries is a registered charity supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

Bloomberg New Contemporaries 2018 launched on July 14, 2018 at Liverpool School of Art & Design, Liverpool John Moores University, as part of this year’s Liverpool Biennial.