The Institute of Contemporary Arts in London will open its doors to the latest edition of New Contemporaries’ annual exhibition, featuring works by 35 of the best emerging and early-career artists across the UK. This display signals the energetic imagination of the next generation of artists and launches New Contemporaries’ 75th-anniversary celebrations, which will continue throughout 2025 under the banner A Vision with Artists.
An esteemed panel comprising Liz Johnson Artur, Permindar Kaur, and Amalia Pica selected the artists from hundreds of submissions. Their works explore urgent contemporary themes, ranging from environmental cycles, sustainability, and decay to the commodification of mindfulness and the alienation of the digital era. Other pieces reflect social gatherings, fragmented memories, and the intersections of personal and collective anxieties.
Featured artists include: Motunrayo Akinola, Libby Bove, Max Boyla, Molly Burrows, Fergus Carmichael, Mya Cavner and Edith Liben, Karen David, Roo Dhissou, Beverley Duckworth, Georgia Dymock, Tom Fairlamb, Farzaneh Ghadyanloo, Sara Graça, Dageong Han, Siomha Harrington, Anna Howard, Fi Isidore, Asmaa Jama and Gouled Ahmed, Laura Kazaroff, AC Larsen, Sophie Lloyd, Hazel O’Sullivan, Sun Oh, Sara Osman, Saul Pankhurst, Varshga Premarasa, Elliott Roy, Millie Shafiee, Sai Stephenson, Valentino Vannini, Joshua Whitaker, Danilo Zocatelli Cesco, and Yang Zou.
Supporting Emerging Talent
Participation in the New Contemporaries exhibition brings more than just exposure. The selected artists will benefit from mentoring, talks, and workshops through the organization’s Bridget Riley Artists’ Development Programme, a key initiative to empower early-career creatives.
New Contemporaries and the ICA share a rich history. Between 1964 and 1986, the exhibition was regularly hosted at the ICA, where it played an instrumental role in nurturing early-career talent. This partnership resumed in 1989 and continued well into the 2010s.
The 75th-anniversary celebrations form part of the broader A Vision with Artists programme and include new commissions, public programmes, artist residencies, and research initiatives, all designed to empower artists to shape their futures.
Reflections from the Selectors
As the selection process came to an end, Amalia Pica commented, “It was a real privilege seeing such an overview of what artists in the UK are making today. The dynamic discussions among selectors were informative and engaging. I think that we have put together something strong, and I look forward to seeing the works together.
Permindar Kaur also commented on the quality of submissions: “The exceptional work made the judging process both challenging and rewarding. I am looking forward to seeing the exhibition and meeting the artists.”
Liz Johnson Artur noted the unique opportunity to engage with emerging talent: “It was a real pleasure to see the submissions and consider the motivations of this next generation. I look forward to seeing how these artists progress in their practices.”
As the ICA presents this showcase of artistic vitality, New Contemporaries continues its support for those voices shaping the future of British art. Moving out of London following the opening in London, it promises to inspire audiences throughout the nationwide tour, reaffirming the relevance and durability of contemporary artistic expression.