Approximately two thousand art works from over 600 Open Call applicants were whittled down to 100 stand out pieces for this year’s Women in Art Fair. Their work presents a fascinating ‘picture’ of contemporary art at this moment in time.

With an emphasis on figuration, many deal with the female form, referencing family and relationships, motherhood and womanhood. Others choose abstraction, with several ceramicists and sculptors joining this year’s selection.

The artists are mostly UK-based, but include an incredible diversity of nationalities, from Japan to Palestine, as well as an age range from 20- to 70-year-olds.

“Our aim is to be as inclusive and diverse as possible with this art fair,” says Women in Art Fair Director and Founder Jacqueline Harvey. “Our mission is to break down those barriers that are still blocking true gender and race equality in the arts.”

Golnaz Jebelli, Seeing the Extraordinary in the Mundane, oil on canvas
All of the artists are automatically entered into the inaugural Women in Art Fair Prize, which will be announced on the opening night of the Fair, 19 June.

A 1st prize of £1500, sponsored by Fladgate, a 2nd prize of £750 and 3rd prize of £400 will be awarded to the artists that the selection committee believe most deserve financial support for their ongoing practice.

This year’s prize jury brings together influential figures from across the arts: Alison Mosshart, celebrated musician, artist, and frontwoman of The Kills and The Dead Weather; artist Vanessa Raw; and curator, art dealer, and cultural strategist Virginia Damtsa.

A talks programme will feature founder of Femmes Artistes du Musée de Mougins (FAMM), Christian Levett in conversation with SEEN founder and arts commentator, Carrie Scott; MyArtBroker on women printmakers; and a collecting discussion with Hall Rockefeller, founder of Less Than Half and arts patron and founder of MarGin gin, Rachel Verghis.