- ING showcases the work of 4,000 artists in its Discerning Eye Exhibition, returning to London’s Mall Galleries this November
- Exhibition selectors include critics Will Gompertz and Paul Carey-Kent, artists Adebanji Alade and Nina Murdoch and collectors Carol Leonard and Gabrielle Blackman
- Supported by ING for 26 years, the exhibition will take place from Friday 15 November to Sunday 24 November and will be free to the public.
The ING Discerning Eye Exhibition returns to the Mall Galleries inLondon this November, with an exceptional showcase of some of the best contemporary art being made in the UK today.
Since 1999, the ING Discerning Eye Exhibition has exhibited 15,000 works by 4,000 artists and sold over £1.25 million worth of art on behalf of artists.
Now in its 26th year, this unique exhibition continues to provide an important platform for emerging and established artists.
This year’s showcase, featuring 685 works by 398 artists, will run at the Mall Galleries, London, from Friday 15 to Sunday 24 November 2024, and will be free to visit.
Proudly supported by global bank ING, the Discerning Eye Exhibition has become a staple of the UK’s contemporary art scene. The small-scale of the works (under 20 inches in any dimension) makes the art accessible to collectors of all levels, with every piece available for sale.
Showcasing the Best Contemporary Art in the UK
This year’s selection process began with a nationwide open competition, which drew over 6,000 submissions from 2,400 artists.
After much deliberation, the selectors—critics Will Gompertz and Paul Carey-Kent, artists Adebanji Alade and Nina Murdoch, collectors Carol Leonard and Gabrielle Blackman—selected 509 works from the open call. They also invited artists they know and love, adding another 175 works by 71 established names.
The result is a diverse, engaging showcase of 685 artworks, reflecting the breadth of talent and creativity in contemporary UK art. From painting, drawing and sculpture, to ceramic, textile and photography, visitors can expect a wide variety of media, subjects, and styles.
“I never knew being an art selector could be such a joy” says Will Gompertz, selector and Director of the Sir John Soane’s Museum in London. “I am thrilled with the artists I have chosen, some whom I have admired for years, others who are completely new. If I could, I would take every single artwork home with me!
“It was a difficult process” says artist and selector Nina Murdoch. “I know and admire so many talented artists, so I tried to create a diverse group: in varying stages of their careers and in different mediums. Some are already familiar names and others I think will soon be. As with all great artists, they have an individual and original voice.”
A Legacy of Supporting Artists
Since it began, the ING Discerning Eye Exhibition has awarded £300,000 in prize money to artists.
This year, almost £15,000 in prizes will be awarded, including the coveted £5,000 ING Purchase Prize.
The winners will be announced during the Private View on the evening of Thursday 14 November.
Experience the Exhibition In-Person and Online
Admission is free. Visitors to the Mall Galleries can enjoy the exhibition daily from 10am to 5pm, from Friday 15 to Saturday 23 November, and 10am to 1pm on Sunday 24 November 2024.
For those who can’t visit in person, a virtual version of the exhibition will be available online until 1 January 2025, allowing art lovers from across the globe to browse and buy works remotely.
