Driven by the opportunity to engage with, support, and champion emerging artists who embody creativity and innovation within the London art milieu, Art Angels Curated is an art collection curated by the discerning eyes of Carmele McGeary and Julie Townend.
Emphasising authenticity and singularity, Art Angels Curated aspires to illuminate the profound and intricate relationship between creator and collector. Starting their journey in 2018 with the Yves Klein exhibition at Blenheim Palace, Carmele and Julie have significantly advanced the cause of inclusivity in the art world. Their work has introduced a unique and sophisticated perspective, reshaping how art is experienced and understood. Through their innovative approach and commitment to diversity, they have paved the way for a more inclusive and enriched artistic landscape.
The inspiration for this venture stems from a desire to support emerging young talent drawn to London's vibrant art world. With guidance and inspiration from Oli Epp’s iconoclastic aesthetic, an emblematic artist of the post-digital generation and Julie’s stepson, the collection traverses through realism with nods to pop art aesthetics. The diverse styles feature both visual impact and technical diversity, all united by a common goal: to support emerging artists and amplify the voices that will shape the art market of tomorrow. A collection without boundaries, Art Angels Curated does not adhere to a specific theme; they envision a collection that reflects the diversity and dynamism of the cultural melting pot in which we live.
“Our collection gravitates towards works that push boundaries, challenge conventions, and evoke emotions. We are drawn to artists who are fearlessly breaking new territory in their practice.”
Envisioning a diverse and inclusive artworld, Carmele and Julie are not only shaping the art world of tomorrow but also creating a lasting impact on the artists and collectors they support. They remain steadfast in their mission to elevate emerging artists and foster a more inclusive art community. Their passion for creativity continues to shape a collection that not only reflects the present but also anticipates the future of art.
ARTCOLLECTORNEWS: Please tell us a bit about yourself and your background, how and where you met and where the Art Angels Collection Idea was born?
Striking up a conversation at Blenheim Palace - we were both attending the Yves Klein exhibition in 2018. It was organized for the The Arts Club where we are both members. We just started chatting and connected immediately walking through the splendid rooms in awe of the outstanding exhibition. The idea for the Art Angels Collection was born from our shared passion to support emerging artists.
ARTCOLLECTORNEWS: What was your first experience with art?
Our first experience with art was through exposure to various forms of creativity in our respective fields of fashion and design. This exposure cultivated an early appreciation for artistic expression and sparked our interest in collecting pieces that resonated with us personally.
ARTCOLLECTORNEWS:What inspired you to start collecting art?
ART ANGELS CURATED: The inspiration to start our own art collection stemmed from a desire to support emerging young talent that are drawn to the London art world which is home to some of the world's, most prestigious, art schools such as the Royal College of Art, City & Guilds, Central Saint Martin’s and the Slade School of Fine Arts. These high caliber schools attract leading artists and teachers, giving their students that unrivaled cutting edge knowledge. We were also inspired by the works of Oli Epp, who attended City & Guilds and is Julie’s stepson.
ARTCOLLECTORNEWS: What were the first pieces you collected? How long have you been collecting art?
The first pieces we collected were from artists whose work spoke to us and our shared tastes, initiating a wonderful foundation of discovery and appreciation. Our collection is diverse in styles , colour and texture. Some pieces have really expressive brushworks combining realism with a bit of pop art aesthetic. Again , we collect works with both visual impact and technical diversity. We have been actively collecting art for the past five years, continuously adding to our evolving collection. Each of our artists in the collection have and continue to have amazing journey’s and achievements and we are very proud of them.
ARTCOLLECTORNEWS: Tell us a bit about a few of your favourite or recent acquisitions/additions to your collection , and the artists whose work you have collected.
Some recent acquisitions include pieces by Shawanda Corbet who won the Turner Bursary from the Tate and the Kleinwort Hamburg’s Emerging Artist Prize both in 2021. Shawnada is multi talented with her paintings, ceramics and performative art and her works often draw from personal experiences of growing up in Mississippi and the people is her life. Jil Mandeng, an Ingram Prize finalist in 2023 and was one of nine artists showing at the Bloomberg New Contemporaries in 2024. Jil, born in Santiago Chile to a Cameroonian-Polish father and a German mother explores the meaning of the malgamation of these cultures and from the nomadic lifestyle in which she grew up. Rafa Silvares, born in Santos Brazil and based in Berlin. Silvares’ work is based on the juxtaposition of everyday objects and ultural cut outs of different origins with the vibrant use of colour, collage and painting. Silvares now has a global network of collectors and is one of the leading lights of our collection. Emil Lombardo, an Argentinian born and London based photographer. Emil is concerned with body politics and gender representation and the visibility of dissident identities. Emil’s work is often housed in ad hacking and street art campaigns.
ARTCOLLECTORNEWS: Do you work with art advisors or other art professionals to help select or source artwork? Do you think that is important?
We occasionally seek advice from art professionals to gain insights and perspectives, but ultimately, our selections are driven by personal connection and intuition. We also participate in auctions and art fairs to discover new talent and acquire unique pieces that speak to us. Our passion is to engage with the artists .We especially enjoy meeting them in their studios.
ARTCOLLECTORNEWS: Is there a particular message or style you look for when collecting art? Are there any particular themes or subjects that you’re drawn to when collecting art?
It’s always about a reaction.! We are drawn to art that challenges conventions, provokes thought, sparks, engaging conversations and conveys a powerful message or emotion. There is also lots of new evidence to support the argument that engaging with the Arts positive positive effect on health as well..
ARTCOLLECTORNEWS: Are there any artists whose work you have collected multiple pieces of? If so, why?
We have collected multiple pieces from artists whose work resonates deeply with us. It’s a personal and meaningful way to collect as each piece carries a memory of our journey and our evolving preferences.
ARTCOLLECTORNEWS: How did you first become aware of the artists whose work you’ve collected?
We discover artists through various channels, including residencies , galleries, art fairs, online platforms, and recommendations from fellow collectors and art professionals. We try to attend as many graduate shows as possible and meet each artist to learn more about them and their mission.
ARTCOLLECTORNEWS: What challenges have you faced when collecting artwork?
Discovering artists from different backgrounds and cultures adds layers of depth to the collection, reflecting the interconnectedness of the contemporary art scene. Challenges in collecting artwork include navigating the vast art market, and staying true to our vision amidst trends and fluctuations. What do you look for when viewing an artist’s portfolio?
ARTCOLLECTORNEWS: Are there any specific techniques or mediums that you are drawn to? What kind of relationship do you have with the artists whose work you collect?
When viewing an artist's portfolio, we look for a cohesive body of work that demonstrates skill, originality, and their unique background and perspective.. We are drawn to a variety of techniques and mediums, from traditional painting , photography and sculpture to more experimental forms such as mixed media and installation art. Our relationship with the artists we collect varies, ranging from casual interactions to more personal connections built over time. As they achieve international recognition, we feel their joy.
ARTCOLLECTORNEWS: What do you think the art world will be like in the future, e.g: ten years time?
In the future, we envision a more diverse and inclusive art world due to cultural shifts. Globalization will continue to foster cross, cultural, collaborations more than ever. Technology will continue to advance and personalize art experiences based on individual preferences . The growth of online marketplaces will also provide alternative ways for artists to sell their work and for collectors to acquire and invest
ARTCOLLECTORNEWS: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting an art collection?
To someone starting an art collection, we advise staying true to your tastes, taking the time to research and explore different artists and styles, and collecting pieces that bring you joy and inspiration.
ARTCOLLECTORNEWS: Can you please reveal future plans of the collection? Acquisitions and expansion plans.
As for future plans, we are committed to expanding our collection, supporting emerging artists, and continuing to foster creativity and innovation within the art community. The global nature of our collection, with London as a central theme will continue to feature. In early 2025 we plan to launch Art Angels Collector Network hosting quarterly collectors' breakfasts in London which will give us a valuable platform for networking, knowledge sharing, exchanging ideas, and discovering new talents together with like-minded collectors. Our plan is to build a community with guest speakers, creators, artists and art market experts to provide valuable insights. The most recent studies stress the importance of the engagement in art, beauty and nature and the positive effects for our mental and physical health.
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Driven by the opportunity to engage with, support, and champion emerging artists who embody creativity and innovation within the London art milieu, Art Angels Curated is an art collection curated by the discerning eyes of Carmele McGeary and Julie Townend.
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