Child’s play
So it appears from the daily routine of trawling instagram for the latest drops, shows, fresh talent, freebies, and the odd scolding from Jake Chapman, creating seemingly immature works is on the up and ever favourable with collectors. Of course, queen Emin is a pioneer, and the secondary market for Shrigley remains sound, Nara and Robi Dwi Antono sought after artists as is Mr Doodle, with a bonkers Insta following and huge overseas success. The work of Eric Haacht has been on the radar for a while now, pieces appearing/doing well on Tateward Auctions, so when the chance came up to bag an original from Smithson Gallery at the Art Car Boot Fair it was a no-brainer. Previously added to the collection was Hein Koh, an artist with a James Cameron-esque imagination, who has sexed-up a cyclops smoking stem of broccoli, however, I was drawn to a crying pod of 4 peas that I just couldn’t resist bidding on.
Chicago based David Heo recently released an edition based on Pokémon cards which has pretty much sold out. His collaged works are impressive, often featuring a violent blood-rich scene with rabid dobermans. I also believe Adam Handler is releasing a new print with Guy Hepner later this year, his little ghosts and alien abductions proving to be increasingly popular and definitely one to watch going forward. Euan Roberts’ brightly coloured and clean compositions include a fez wearing bear and great white shark, his ‘Luxury Goods’ show at Reem Gallery, (2022) including a series of designer footwear being worn in profile (stubbly leg included), worked incredibly well.
From the works I have seen by Noritoshi Mitsuuchi, they are straight out of a children’s book, when read at night, filling your head with heroic adventures of good and evil. Japanese artist Yuichi Hirako has exhibited internationally, noted within his overview on Artsy as, “interested in how western Christian thought and Japanese animism-based traditions treat nature and it’s potential.” Artist & illustrator, Michael McGregor has a solo show at Hashimoto Contemporary in LA on the 21st January, his unrestrained style capturing the mundane with childlike vibrancy and ferocity, like a talented 5 year old gifted a new pack of crayons for the first time.
Other notable artists are Bibi Lei, with her frowning Nara-esque figures, Robert Nava, Fanny, Studio Lenca, Shaun Ellison, Hunt Slonem, with his bunny heads and 146k followers, Rudy Lanjouw, & another bunch of names currently being auctioned at Sotheby’s. Start scrolling and fill your boots, or take a punt at selling your own pieces, but it’s probably best if you have no idea how to draw and colour outside of the lines, so I’m off to paint the cat.
