Once upon a time in London, observes Seven Seven Contemporary Art founder Alan Bond, artists were dependent on commercial galleries and public institutions for their audience. However, times have changed and, says Bond, the proliferation of artist-led galleries in London’s East End highlight the fact that ‘there are a lot more talented artists around than the commercial galleries can support.’
Established by Bond and Clare Fienley in 2001, Seven Seven is an artist-led gallery in Hackney, which showcases the work of emerging artists working both nationally and internationally. According to Bond, a slow unfurling of the gallery’s philosophy in the time since its establishment has lead to a focus on emerging artists and the local community.
