For many artists, gaining representation with a prominent gallery is a game changer. It’s a vote of confidence in the artist’s work and longevity; a flag that a consequential solo show is on the horizon; and a signal to collectors and art institutions that an artist is “one to watch.” Artsy’s new online show, “Newly Represented,” spotlights the work of a group of these artists, all of whom have recently joined the rosters of esteemed, international galleries.
Here, we share the stories and works of 11 newly represented artists, ranging from promising recent grads to more established artists who are now earning due recognition, and hailing from Beijing to Karachi to Los Angeles. Some met their new gallerists through other artists and mutual friends, while others garnered attention through impressive shows. But all of them create bold, striking work that speaks for itself.
Angela Heisch
B. 1989, Auckland, New Zealand. Lives and works in New York.
Pippy Houldsworth Gallery, London
It’s hard not to get swept up in the motion of Angela Heisch’s abstract paintings. Deep blues and warm taupes swirl together in bold spirals of light and dark, hard edges and soft gradations. Heisch’s enigmatic forms resemble slices of plants, flowers, living beings, and even the cosmos; they vibrate with energy that’s both familiar and otherworldly. “Responding to observation of the natural world, her visual language seeks to capture emotional states in all their transience and ambiguity,” explained Katharine Higgs, exhibitions director at Pippy Houldsworth Gallery.
Pippy Houldsworth Gallery began working with Heisch in 2020 when she was one of the first artists to participate in its online “Insight” project—a series of weekly viewing rooms featuring new work made during the COVID-19 lockdown. “We were drawn in by the playful, psychological pull of her compositions, combined with an expansive sense of movement,” Higgs said.
After earning her MFA from the University at Albany, SUNY, in 2014, Heisch is now garnering acclaim for her delectable use of oils. She also often creates a small pastel drawing alongside each painting. Heisch has already had a string of solo shows at galleries including Projet Pangée and Davidson Gallery, among others. In September 2021, she will open her first London solo show at Pippy Houldsworth.
This excerpt is part of a longer article, which can be found below.
