The Other Art Fair 2024
The Other Art Fair in London this October was one for the books. The Truman Brewery was buzzing with art lovers, curious onlookers, and a steady flow of creative energy that made the whole experience electric. It was a whirlwind few days of showcasing art, meeting people, and soaking up the magic of being part of something so vibrant—and knackering.
Setting up was a beautifully chaotic endeavour. You've got one shot to get it right, and somehow, it always involves a bit of panic. I find the wild look in artists' eyes as they frantically try to get their act together quite entertaining, while I'm there, unsuccessfully trying to stay cool myself as I set up my Wish You Were Here series. Once everything was in place—from textured skies to shimmering ocean waves—it was time to brace for the public’s reaction, a mixture of nerves and excitement in equal doses.
Setup, sweaty mess to show ready
The Private View on opening night was a show in itself. Not only did the art take centre stage, but there was also a drag show that had everyone talking. The energy was infectious, with performers lighting up the night and drawing a crowd that was equal parts art lovers and partygoers. It was the perfect way to kick off the fair, blurring the lines between performance art and the visual art on display.
Meeting art lovers face-to-face is always the highlight. There was the woman who stood in front of To the Open Arms of the Sea, her eyes glistening as she talked about summer evenings in Cornwall. Another visitor was entranced by the golds and silvers, marvelling at how the diamond dust shimmered like sunlight on water. One bloke even came back twice, telling me he couldn't stop thinking about the way Dancing in the Deepest captured the movement and emotion of the sea and took him back to a holiday destination that held special memories for him. It’s humbling, honestly, to see people connect so deeply with work that started from a difficult time.
One thing became clear as I spoke to visitors: people crave stories. When I shared the inspiration behind the Wish You Were Here series—the blend of sea-inspired layers and lyrical nostalgia—eyes lit up. We talked about memories tied to specific places, the magic of sunsets, and the songs that remind us of moments we never want to forget. It wasn't just about the art but the emotions and memories it evoked—bang on the sentiment of the series. And what I really enjoyed was that it wasn't just my stories that were important for the art to find life; it was what the art meant to the onlooker and how it made them feel. That, for me, was easily the most enjoyable part of the whole fair.
Then came the packing down. The post-fair fatigue was real, as artists around me either worked at breakneck speeds or casually dismantled their booths, bubble-wrapping pieces and taking care not to crush any corners (or spirits). I was firmly in the speedy packer camp. I like to get in and get out ASAP—mostly so I can get a little sip of beer to unwind back home... I have to thank the staff at TOAF for helping me lug my gear back to my tiny car a few times.
Driving back to Margate, my Polo loaded up with art and the odd leftover snack, I couldn't help but reflect on the wild weekend. There's something about leaving the chaos of London behind and returning to the coast that makes everything feel a bit more grounded. Back in Margate (albeit having only recently moved there), with the sea air and the familiar view of the waves, I finally unpacked, let out a sigh of relief, and felt a sense of gratitude. The art fair whirlwind had come and gone, but the memories and stories linger, ready to inspire whatever comes next—right after a sip of beer, of course.
You can see some of the available pieces in this series here.