New Exhibition: Trailblazers

Welcome to Trailblazers, an exhibition celebrating visionary creators who dared to defy convention and redefine the boundaries of art. Through bold innovation and fearless expression, these artists have transformed the landscape of creative thought and practice. 

From challenging societal norms to exploring new media, their work has not only shaped artistic movements but also provoked dialogue, inspired activism, and expanded our understanding of culture and identity. Each piece in the collection stands as a testament to the power of creativity to disrupt, question, and inspire, as these trailblazers forge paths for future generations of artists.

Bridget Riley

Image courtesy of ThoughtCo

Bridget Riley is one of the most prominent figures in Op Art, a movement that emerged in the 1960s. The art form made use of geometric shapes and patterns to create optical illusions, giving the impression of movement, vibration, or depth. Riley’s work, such as her black-and-white paintings from the 1960s, became iconic examples of this. Riley also famously experimented with colour for works like ‘Large Fragment 2’ (2009) and ‘Intervals 3’ (2021). Her understanding of colour theory, particularly how colours influence each other and the viewer's perception, marked a significant shift in her style and established her as a master of colour manipulation.

Riley’s rise to prominence occurred during a time when the art world was still heavily male-dominated. As a woman artist who gained international recognition and critical acclaim, she helped break down gender barriers in the art world. Her success inspired other female artists to push boundaries and pursue experimental art forms. Now 93, she continues to study and experiment with her work and has secured her title as a art world legend

Details:
Full set of ‘Intervals 3"‘ (2021)
Screenprints in colours on wove paper
Each 55.5 x 38 cm
Signed, titled, dated and numbered by the artist
Edition of 75
Sold framed to museum specifications with UV perspex
£18,000

The Connor Brothers

Image courtesy of Clarendon Fine Art

Since their creation in 2012, The Connor Brothers have continuously pushed what it means to be an activist through artwork. In 2015, they started work on a project that would secure the pair’s reputation as societal disruptors, spending several years in the notorious French refugee camp in Calais known as The Jungle. They voluntarily built shelters and learnt the stories of the refugees who had recently fled their homes.

After doing this, they realised how their influence could do good and launched their ‘Refuchic’ billboard campaign, which forced viewers to examine their attitude towards poverty and displacement. Since then, the duo have become well-known philanthropists raising millions of pounds for charities such as The Big Issue, CALM, and Choose Love, as well as continually supporting Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity they became ambassadors for in 2022.

Details:
’Those Who Say’ (2020)
Giclee print with silkscreen varnish
41.5 x 29 cm
Signed by the artists
Artist Proof
Free Shipping to the UK
£750 or £75 per month for 10 months interest-free with an Own Art loan

Ai Weiwei

Image courtesy of Guggenheim Museum

Ai Weiwei’s work is inseparable from his activism, particularly in highlighting issues such as human rights, government corruption, freedom of speech, and the refugee crisis. He uses his platform as an artist to address some of the most pressing political problems of our time. Ai Weiwei’s vocal criticism of the Chinese government and its policies has made him a symbol of resistance and defiance.

He also incorporates elements of his Chinese heritage into his work. In 1995, he famously destroyed a valuable antique urn to make a statement about China’s rapid modernisation and disregard for its own history. This statement is also present in his 2023 work ‘Coca-Cola Vase’ where he placed the logo of one of the world’s most notable companies, Coca-Cola, on handmade Murano glass vases to contrast ancient and artisanal skills against new mass production.

Details:
’Coca-Cola Vase’ (2023)
Cast vase in translucent red glass
21 x 19 x 21.2 cm
Edition of 300
Artist’s signature engraved on base
£4,250

Banksy

Banksy has played a critical role in transforming street art from being considered a form of vandalism into a recognised, respected, and celebrated artistic movement. His works, usually created with stencils, have elevated street art by introducing sharp wit, humour, and subversive political messages. He blurred the lines between public art and fine art, creating a dialogue between the urban environment and art lovers who might never set foot in a gallery.

He uses his art to address a wide array of global issues, including war, consumerism, surveillance, poverty, and environmental degradation. His pieces, such as ‘Girl with a Balloon’ (seen above)  force the viewer to confront uncomfortable realities. His art is not just aesthetically striking but also intellectually provocative, acting as a form of visual protest against oppression and inequality.

Details:
’Sale Ends V2’ (2017)
Screenprint in colours
57 x 76.5 cm
Signed by the artist
Edition of 500
Sold Framed
Accompanied by Pest Control Authentication
£25,000

Damien Hirst

Image courtesy of Null Society

Damien Hirst’s known for his exploration of life, death, and materialism. His work is deeply concerned with themes of mortality, decay, and the meaning of life, making him one of the most philosophically provocative artists of this generation. One of his most famous works, ‘The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living’ (1991), a tiger shark suspended in formaldehyde, has become an iconic symbol of his exploration of death as both a concept and a physical reality. Hirst’s ability to confront such existential themes through his work have made him a pioneer in contemporary art.

Details:
Full set of ‘The Empress Series’ (2016)
Laminated giclée print on aluminium composite panel, screen printed with glitter
100 x 100cm
Signed by the artist on verso
Various edition sizes

Tracey Emin

Image courtesy of Brittanica

Tracey Emin rose to fame in the 1990s as a prominent member of the Young British Artists (YBAs) where she first began her exploration of personal trauma and raw emotion. She pioneered a form of art that draws directly from her own life experiences, often exposing her vulnerabilities, failures, and traumas. Through her unflinching honesty. 

Her work turned the private into the public, daringly blurring the line between art and personal confession. This autobiographical approach was groundbreaking, especially for a female artist, and inspired others to embrace confessional art as a legitimate, powerful form of expression.

Details:
’It Was All About Loving You’ (2022)
Screenprint on Somerset 400gsm 
80 x 120.5 cm
Signed by the artist
Edition of 50
Free Shipping to the UK

View available works by all the artists featured above, as well as more by clicking below, and please get in touch with any inquiries or questions.