about us
jg contemporary
In the heart of Acton, West London, stands JG Contemporary, a vibrant hub of artistic innovation and diversity.
Our story began in 2010 in North Acton as a screen printing workshop and artist studio space known to many as West London Art Factory. Starting with pop-up showcases across London, we swiftly carved our niche in the art world. By 2017, JG Contemporary was born as originally an online gallery. Our physical gallery opened in December 2019 in Acton’s Poet’s Corner.
We pride ourselves on being a sanctuary for multidisciplinary artists. Originating from the vibrant realms of pop, street and urban art, our gallery has flourished to embrace a wide spectrum of artistic expressions. Our commitment to diversity is mirrored in the eclectic range of exhibits we host, showcasing contemporary artists who excel across various mediums and styles.
Our gallery is a celebration of artistic mastery and innovation and a testament to the rich tapestry of contemporary art. Each artist in our fold brings a distinctive voice to the gallery, enabling us to present our audiences with a broad spectrum of visual narratives. We are a dynamic gallery; where art breaks free from traditional confines, and innovation meets tradition in a symphony of colours, textures, and forms.
With murals by internationally renowned street artists like Fin DAC to the much celebrated portrait of Jamal Edwards MBE by Matt Small, crafted entirely from reused materials JG Contemporary has always been at the forefront of championing public art, especially within our local community.
Join us at JG Contemporary, where every visit is an adventure, and the boundary-pushing creations of our artists promise to inspire and captivate. Here, art is not just observed; it is experienced, challenging perceptions and inviting dialogue. Welcome to our world, where tradition meets innovation in the vibrant heart of West London, and where our commitment to public art and community engagement continues to illuminate the path forward.
September 26th & October 31st, 2024
LAST THURSDAYS AT JGC
Over the past year, we have hosted late evenings at the gallery on the last Thursday of each month. These events feature extended hours, inviting the community to enjoy an evening of drinks, art, and stimulating conversation. It's an event you won't want to miss!
These late evenings provide an opportunity for the public to view the art in a relaxed and welcoming environment alongside friends, family, and the wider community.
During our residency, we will continue to run these nights from The Verdean.
about
mATT small
Primarily a painter, Small has a strong, compelling style, often choosing discarded objects like car bonnets or old signs instead of canvas for his work. “The theme of my work is young, dispossessed people: individuals who feel undervalued, who don’t have a voice, who get looked over.” Small explains how the urban debris he paints on becomes symbolic of the feeling of being without value: “I thought it’d be interesting to connect the two – that oven door, that shelving unit, that piece of trash to someone – I don’t see it like that, I see that it can be something beautiful and worthwhile. That’s how I see our young people too. Let’s look at their potential, at the hope that’s in all of them. Small has won many awards over the years, including BP Portrait Nominee.
Matt Small is the artist behind the iconic Jamal Edwards mural in Everyone Active in Acton.
the project
This is england
THIS IS ENGLAND is an ongoing project by Matt Small examining the current state and future direction of England as a country. Focusing on the national identity issues, this project delves into the experiences of young second and third-generation children of immigrants living in England. Matt is currently working on a series of portraits featuring young people, which includes portraits of some local kids from Acton. These large-scale mosaic portraits are crafted from various recycled materials such as scrap metal, timber, plastics, tins, and many other repurposed items. Each piece not only captures the essence of the youth it portrays but also reflects a commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness.
Matt will provide workshops and open days for the local community. These sessions will include a series of interviews with young people of diverse ethnic backgrounds and offer a unique opportunity for community members to engage with the artistic process, learn about the importance of recycling and sustainability in art, and even contribute to the creation of new portraits. They will be encouraged to create artworks responding to the question, "Do you feel you belong?" This engagement would foster a deeper connection between the artwork and the local community, making the project even more meaningful and impactful.
about
derrick santini
Based in Acton, Derrick Santini studied Photography at Harrogate College. He holds a BA Hons in Photography and Communication from the London College of Printing (now LCC). HIs portraits have been acquired by the National Portrait Gallery, and he has exhibited in the UK and internationally. His innovative approach and techniques have seen him lead masterclass workshops, most notably in Lenticular photography. His work has been featured in many prestigious publications, and he continues to work commercially and editorially, as well as publishing numerous articles on photography.
Santini’s Self Made opened in Scarborough Museums and Galleries on the 18th of May and runs until September 1st.
Snapshot of 2024
To foster community engagement, promote inclusivity, and celebrate diversity, the project will feature interactive workshops and portrait sessions designed to bring the community together, encouraging active participation and collaboration. By inviting a diverse range of participants from different backgrounds and areas of London, the project will ensure that a wide spectrum of voices and stories are represented. The portrait series, along with accompanying multimedia elements, will highlight the unique individuals that make up the fabric of Acton and London, showcasing the area’s cultural richness and vibrancy.
This initiative is part of an ongoing series and a much larger project envisioned by Derrick. We are planning to apply for funding to transform this into a long-term project, culminating in a grand exhibition to celebrate the journey and the community's stories.
To further engage the community, we will host a series of free workshops for local children, offering them the opportunity to learn about portraiture and the art of photography. These workshops are designed to inspire and educate young minds, fostering a new generation of creatives.
Genesis
Genesis is one of the UK’s longest-established costume bands at the Notting Hill Carnival in London. Founded by Vernon Williams in 1980, Genesis has a rich history rooted in the vibrant carnival culture of Trinidad and Tobago. Vernon Williams, a prolific band leader and costume designer, played a pivotal role in establishing the Notting Hill Carnival and is acknowledged as one of its founding members.
Genesis is an award-winning, family-oriented costume band that has set the standard for costume design and presentation. With a prolific collection of trophies and accolades, Genesis has consistently led the field in carnival arts.
Now under the leadership of Symone, the founder's daughter, Genesis has grown into a global carnival enterprise, showcasing its creations worldwide. Notable achievements include:
- Democratic Republic of Congo: Participated in the 50th Anniversary celebration.
- Grand Cayman: Became the first international band to take part in Batabano in 2012.
- Seychelles: Designed and produced a full band for Masons Travel, winning the best band on the road at the Victoria Carnival.
- Trinidad & Tobago: Launched a section in the band Dream Team.
- UK Pageants: Won Best Designer (Carnival Costume) at the inaugural Miss Universal Carnival Queen UK Pageant, where our contestant also took home the title.
- Nigeria: Represented the UK at the Nigerian “Carniriv” celebration in Port Harcourt.
- World Beauty Fitness Fashion Competition: Created themed costumes for five contestants, all of whom won first prize in their categories.
1st -13th October, 2024
NOSTALGIA
NOSTALGIA is a collaborative group photography exhibition curated by JG Contemporary and Lainey Sheridan-Young.
Nostalgia, a sentiment that intertwines memory and emotion, evokes a longing for the past. It is a powerful force that can transport us to moments of joy, sorrow, love, and reflection. This exhibition seeks to capture the essence of these feelings through the lens of each participating artist, offering viewers a diverse and intimate experience.
In addition to creating a beautiful collaborative exhibition one of the main aims of this show is to help raise funds for the FELIX PROJECT, a London based charity with a focus on combating hunger and food waste, helping the millions of people in the UK who experience hunger.