The Other Art Fair, presented by Saatchi Art, celebrates its 100th edition this week with over 200 independent artists showcasing 1000s of shoppable artworks. Since its inception, the fair has helped nearly 10,000 artists sell over 100,000 artworks, generating upwards of $50 million in sales.
To mark this milestone, we brought together Ryan Stanier, Founder of The Other Art Fair, and renowned photographer Rankin, a longtime supporter of the fair, to discuss art, creativity, longevity, success, The Other Art Fair, and SWAG.
What does success mean to you?
Rankin: In my heart, success is about me being able to keep doing what I love, which is taking photos! On a practical level, it is about making a real connection with people, when I photograph them and when those photographs are seen by an audience. If a photograph or a creative project provokes thought or challenges perceptions, then I consider that a success. Ultimately, success creatively is when I push myself and continue to evolve while staying true to the stories I want to tell.
Ryan: Success to me is being healthy, having enough time to spend with family and friends and hopefully doing a job that I love (which I do).
What was the first artwork you saw that meant something to you?
Rankin: wow – big question and one I don’t think I can answer fully, as I really didn’t find art till I was about 18. The one piece of art that floored me though, was Bernini at the Villa Boghese! I couldn’t believe a human had created that with their hands.
Ryan: Yes I hear you, apart from a dark painting of a man holding playing cards which my father picked up from a flea market in Lisbon when he was young, it was hung in our downstairs bathroom, so some reason I was captivated (or confused) by it. I wasn’t really exposed to art growing up. So it’s probably that piece… Although in adulthood it was the first time I saw the work of Dan Hillier, he had a small market stall in Spitalfields and I was instantly drawn to his work.
How do you stay excited about creativity after you’ve seen so much?
Rankin: Creativity is infinite. I’m always fascinated by people—how they evolve, how culture changes. Staying curious about the world around you, that’s the secret to staying excited.
Ryan: I agree, it never stops, it never repeats itself so every moment is unique. I get excited by the smallest things so I can’t ever see it leaving me.
What keeps you from retiring?
Rankin: I don’t think I’ll ever retire—creativity isn’t a job, it’s a love affair and marriage, all rolled into one.
It’s literally what drives me every day. I still feel like there’s so much to say, to create, and to
capture.
Ryan: I’m too young :), Not really, I have too many ideas that need to see the light of day.
What is your favourite TOAF story or memory?
Rankin: At my first TOAF, I met the artist, Willow Stacey and really loved her work. I also remember stumbling upon Dan Hillier’s work on the TOAF Instagram. His pieces have this dark, surreal quality, and I was just drawn to them instantly. That moment of connecting with an artwork unexpectedly—that’s why I love TOAF.
God where do I start… I understand that feeling completely, when I saw Dans work for the first time at Spitalfields market I was so inspired by him he became the first artist I selected for The Other Art Fair. He was the first sale of the very first fair and went on to sell at The Other Art Fair’s first 20 editions. Dan was pivotal in helping me understand the needs and challenges of emerging artists and the value of providing them with a platform. He became our most popular artist, by far, at that time. People would often turn up just to meet him and see his artwork. He ended up being the first Guest Artist to tour the fairs with us internationally. I’m glad we get to honour his legacy at this edition.**
What is your favourite TOAF artwork / who is your favourite TOAF artist?
Rankin: see above.
Ryan: There are so many that I love but Alec Cumming, Steve McPherson and Louise Nordh are some that I’m excited to see at the upcoming 100th Edition of The Other Art Fair.
What are your plans/vision for the future?
Rankin: In this climate, I’m just trying to survive. it’s been so tough for everyone out here. Practically, i’m
developing a massive book for next year.
Ryan: I want to keep expanding The Other Art Fair into new cities and I’m working hard with our partner Saatchi Art to not only help sell artists’ work during the 4 days at the fair but also sell their work online all year round.
SWAG* – What was the first product you bought just because it looked cool?
Rankin: Probably a pair of 501’s back in the day. It wasn’t just the look, though—it was the attitude that came with them. They made you feel like you were part of something, a movement. I’ve always been drawn to things with a sense of culture or rebellion attached.
Ryan: Growing up in the suburbs of London in the early 2000’s I was obsessed with garage music. My first business venture was a night that I created called Korruption, at the Exchange Nightclub.
An interesting side note, I became friends with So Solid Crews manager, and as a result, soon after I became their driver. This meant that after sixth form college each night I would drive to Battersea, pick up a few of them and drive them around to various nightclubs while they would perform a song or two. We would then jump back into the car and go on to the next club.
This only lasted for a while as they soon blew up and I’m guessing found a more luxurious mode of transport than my little Citroen Saxo. To look the part, my coolest item of clothing was my black & white alphabet Moschino Jeans.
Are Brentford better off without Ivan Toney?
Rankin: Haha, you lost me at Brentford!
Ryan: I could write an essay on this. As an avid Brentford fan and season ticket holder of 36 years, my
simple answer is yes. He was bloody incredible for us, but good riddance.
The Other Art Fair, 10th – 13th October, The Truman Brewery, 7 Dray Walk, London theotherartfair.com/london/tickets
About
Rankin’s *SWAG is a groundbreaking concept in photography collecting, returns with an exclusive
set of three limited-run contact sheet art prints, available only at The Other Art Fair London this
October. SWAG aims to bring contemporary photography into every home, breaking down the
boundaries of traditional art collecting. These A3 inkjet prints, hand-signed and numbered by
Rankin, are printed on high-quality Photo Lustre 275gsm fine art paper and priced at £250 each.
Reflecting SWAG’s ethos of making photography accessible, the prints showcase the raw beauty
of film photography.
As Rankin explains,
A contact sheet lays your entire shoot bare, capturing each moment in its purest, most honest form. There’s beauty in the imperfections, and a sense of permanence that digital images can’t replicate.
**Honouring Dan Hillier’s Legacy
A tribute will be paid to the late Dan Hillier, a collage master and the first artist to ever sell at The
Other Art Fair.. His iconic works and limited edition print ‘seer’,will be available, starting at £280.
with all proceeds directly supporting Dan’s vision and legacy.alongside events celebrating his
profound impact on the fair’s success.
