ING discerning eye exhibition: A decade of decadence

MEDIA RELEASE COURTESY ING DISCERNING EYE EXHIBITION

Artworks for the tenth annual ING Discerning Eye exhibition have been selected for the November exhibition, which is sponsored by ING Wholesale Banking.

Held in London’s prestigious Mall Galleries, the exhibition showcases the work of both established artists and newcomers to the London art scene. Artwork is chosen for inclusion by one of six prominent figures from the art world. This year’s selectors are artist Anita Klein; Royal Academician Fred Cuming; Bob Benton, collector and former Chairman of Discerning Eye; Frances Carey, head of National Programmes at the British Museum; fashion illustrator Barbara Fenton; and Sunday Times Magazine editor Robin Morgan.

The show has developed an excellent reputation among art lovers and collectors for its unique and highly personal approach to exhibiting the works, which range from paintings and prints to drawing, photography and sculpture. Unlike shows selected and designed by a group, each selector hangs and curates his or her own space, creating six galleries with distinct personalities and unpredictable contents.

The art is chosen from over 2,000 works submitted by the public, as well as from artists who have been invited to exhibit by one of the selectors. This year invited artists include Nadav Kander, Paula Rego RE, Anthony Green RA, Craigie Aitchison RA and Albert Irvin RA. Submitted artworks must meet only two criteria: they must not exceed 20 inches in their largest dimension and they must be for sale.

ING, a long-time supporter of the fine arts in both the UK and the Netherlands, sees the ING Discerning Eye exhibition as an opportunity to connect new audiences with new artists and to make art more accessible to everyone. The exhibition attempts to meet these objectives by focusing on smaller, affordable works of art geared to the domestic market and by refreshing its panel of selectors every year.

The ING Discerning Eye Exhibition 2008 will run in the Mall Galleries, London SW1 from 13-23 November 2008. Admission is free, 10am – 5pm daily. Nearest tube: Charing Cross.

About ING Wholesale Banking

ING Wholesale Banking in the UK is sponsoring The ING Discerning Eye Exhibition as part of a sponsorship commitment (current agreement runs 2006-2008), which itself continues a relationship going back to 1999. ING is proud to support one of the most important independent exhibitions in the UK and appreciates The Discerning Eye’s commitment to individuality, excellence and increasing opportunities for artists across the UK.

ING Wholesale Banking, one of ING Group's six businesses, is responsible for providing financial products and services to corporate and institutional clients across Europe, the Americas and Asia. Headquartered in Amsterdam, ING Group is one of the world's largest financial institutions, providing a wide range of financial services.

Selectors for 2008

ARTISTS
Fred Cuming RA D.Litt studied at Sidcup School of Art, 1945-1949, and the Royal College of Art, 1951-1955. He has exhibited throughout the UK and more recently in the USA. He was elected Royal Academician in 1974 (ARA in 1969), and is an Associate of the Royal College of Art.

Anita Klein studied at Chelsea and the Slade Schools of Art. She is a fellow and past president of the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers and has worked in many private and public collections in Europe, the USA and Australia, including the Arts Council of Great Britain.

COLLECTORS
Bob Benton is a Non-Executive Director of shipping company Clarksons, and a major media investment banker. He was the Discerning Eye Chairman from 2003 to 2007.

Brenda Fenton, a Fashion Illustrator for the Hull Daily Mail from 1951-1961, Brenda has worked in illustration and advertising throughout her career.

CRITICS
Robin Morgan, an award-winning journalist, is the Editor of The Sunday Times Magazine. An author, he has been a judge for the British Press Awards.

Frances Carey is an author and was former Deputy Keeper of Prints and Drawings at the British Museum. She is currently Head of National Programmes at the British Museum.