For the past two years, a flock of graphic art galleries and collectives has migrated to the Embankment Galleries at Somerset House each spring, filling the walls with a whole host of works and prints from illustrators, graphic designers, cartoonists and graphic novelists. Today the UK's first annual contemporary graphic art fair, aptly named Pick Me Up, is back - bigger and better - for its third outing.
Aside from the noticeable rise in exhibitors (five galleries and eight collectives), the fair has also expanded its scope by adding a dedicated new space to host workshops, live music and drawing, talks, and an evening bar.
Visitors can purchase work from established artists such as Chrissie Macdonald, Ben Eine and Two Pipe Problem. And they can watch 20 specially-selected up-and-coming artists, including the likes of Riika Sormunen, Mimi Leung and Zim & Zou hold court at Pick Me Up Selects, where they'll be producing new works exclusive to the fair.
Organisers have also lined up 12 special guests from the illustration world, namely George Hardie, Mr Bingo and James Jarvis for talks and events, and many of the collectives and galleries will be offering workshops with artists.
'Untitled' by Bjorn Rune Lie
'Beyond the Sea' by Paul X Johnson
'Soho Warriors Football Club' by Jenny Bowers
This year visitors can pick up works from an even wider selection of illustrators, graphic designers, cartoonists and graphic novelists. Pictured here is the graphic identity for Pick Me Up by Anthony Burrill.
Trump' by Richard Ardagh
'Strongman' by Spencer Wison
A selection of works by Spanish illustration duo Nuria Bellver and Raquel Fanjul of Catchejack.
Twenty specially-selected, up-and-coming artists, including the likes of Riika Sormunen, Mimi Leung and Zim & Zou will also be holding court at Pick Me Up Selects, producing new works exclusive to the fair.
'Artist Exhibit D' by Martin Nicolausson
Apart from the noticeable rise in exhibitors - five galleries and eight collectives - the fair is expanding its scope, with a dedicated new space set up to house workshops, live music, spoken word, live drawing and an evening bar.
'Arctic' by Miles Donovan
'London' by Jenny Bowers
ADDRESS
Somerset House
Embankment Galleries
Strand
London WC2R 1LA
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