Art Friend Gallery comes to Columbia Road for a month-long residency this autumn!
Get complimentary tickets HERE
Pause: 23 Oct – 2 Nov | Opening Night: 23 Oct, 5-8pm
The Living Room: 4 – 23 Nov | Opening Night: 6 Nov, 5-8pm
Venue: Art Friend Gallery, 128 Columbia Road, E2 7RG
Following on from the success of its annual Rejects Exhibition, and a collaboration with the Royal Society of Art, Art Friend Gallery is embarking on a new pop-up residency on the historic Columbia Road, Bethnal Green. They will be presenting two dynamic exhibitions, beginning with Pause; a solo show by Marie Lenclos, followed by The Living Room, a showcase of emerging and established artists from the Art Friend Roster in an immersive home-from-home experience.
Pause - Marie Lenclos:
Born in Paris, based in South London, Marie Lenclos is an artist known for her striking urban landscapes. With a background in documentary filmmaking, she has a gift for framing the city with thoughtful composition. Her playfulness with light gives each painting a unique energy, while her harmonious colour palette and strong sense of structure bring the architecture to life. Her streets appear empty and still, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Lenclos will present 20 new oil paintings inspired by Columbia Road and its surroundings, capturing the street’s distinctive architecture and atmosphere.
The Living Room:
In contrast to the architectural stillness of Marie’s work, The Living Room offers an unconventional experience for art lovers, as the gallery transforms into a vibrant 1970s inspired living room. Art Friend have curated an eclectic mix of joyful and inviting artworks, with something to suit every taste. Expect mischievous animals, cowboys sipping martinis, and even David Hockney’s iconic pool reimagined in plywood. Featured artists include sell-out British Nigerian painter Studio IMO, Mathilda Mai with her luminous countryside palette, and Andria Beighton, whose nostalgic florals were specially shipped from Australia. Styled as a vibrant, welcoming living room rather than a typical white cube, the gallery invites you to immerse yourself in Art Friend’s colourful world, where you can can relax, connect, and discover affordable contemporary art.
Art Friend Gallery:
Art Friend Gallery, founded by curator Shona Bland, is an innovative online and pop-up platform championing emerging and mid-career artists. Its distinctive programme of exhibitions and events transforms unexpected spaces into welcoming, inclusive environments - from Art Friend’s own Art Fair to acclaimed alternative shows such as REJECTS and Housewarming - all with the aim of making contemporary art accessible to everyone.
EXHIBITION INFORMATION
Open 6 days a week
Pause: 23rd - 2nd October
Opening Night: 23rd Oct 5-8pm
Meet the artists: TBC
The Living Room: 4th - 23rd November
Opening Night: 6th Nov 5-8pm
Usual Opening Hours: Tues 1 - 6pm, Wed – Sat, 9am – 6pm, Sun 8am - 6pm (please contact for extra opening hours) Art Friend Gallery, 128 Columbia Road, E2 7RG
