MARCH - The Affordable Art Fair, Battersea

Seeing creativity is still alive, reawakens the senses. I especially love this piece by Jeff Robb

It was wonderful to step back into a world of bustling creativity after such a long space of deprivation. As we walk through the glass entrance we are met by a rainbow of vibrant colours, not least because Jess Quinn is in the middle of a live art class, generously chatting to the small children whilst sharing her techniques and vibrant colour pallette. Her work is inspiring, featuring strong women within a fairytale setting twisted by a hint of darkness.

As you wind your way around the maze of the eclectic use of artistic styles and methods, you can see everyone has their own personal magnet. For me it was Jeff Robb (main image). His clever use of lenticular photographic work of the female nude in abstract form is both mesmerising and beautiful.

Needless to say, this book cover got a lot of attention. The clever and relatable use of titles by The Connor Brothers is brilliant and I never tire of their intelligent wit, making you stop and question the matters of the moment. 

The Connor Brothers aren't in fact the twins Franklyn and Brendan Connor, raised in a secretive cult. This was a fictitious story they cultivated at the begining of their journey, and had their own reasons for doing so. The talented British artists are, as we now know, James Golding and Mike Snelle.

A BBC Investigation found that as far as they could determine Hollister is another company that have created a ficticious character and according to Dave Eggers the employees of Hollister stores were given the story that goes something like this: Hollister was adventurous, went to yale, sailed the south pacific and then settled in California where in 1922 he opened the first shop. Eggers contends that it actually was launched in 2000 by the parent company Abercrombie and Fitch.

It hasn't done the brand any harm, but it is good to remember the back stories are where your audience can connect and relate to the personality of the company, so they should always come from the heart and reflect the brand.