Art Materialism is a collective of internationally renowned artists who are known for their use of unorthodox materials. They have pushed their chosen medium beyond the novelty and perfected their craft. These artists are now exhibiting in museums and galleries around the world as well as collaborating with major brands like John Galliano, Levi’s, The MET, Givenchy, Maison Margiela, Bergdorf Goodman, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ray Ban, The FA and even Home Depot.

There are some parallels to be drawn with the Italian art movement Arte Povera that gained traction at the end of the 1960s in major cities throughout Italy.  Literally meaning "poor art" the artists used soil, rags and twigs to create works of art.  The aim was to challenge and disrupt the values of the commercialised contemporary gallery system.

Art Materialism artists tend towards the overabundant and easy to access materials available in an ever more commercialised world.  The exhibition will be displaying pieces created from materials as varied as denim, packing tape, sneakers, car upholstery, scrap metal, wallpaper, tulle fabric, crayons, and paint swatches.

This group of international artists has been drawn together by a commonality in their uniqueness and unusual mediums. One of the founders of the collective, the British artist Ian Berry who creates works of art from recycled jeans, says.

“We would meet one another at Art Fairs around the world, and I found I was always drawn to artists who had created works out of materials no one had attempted to use before. We all had to teach ourselves a way of using it. We wanted to bring these artists together as it’s important for artists to support one another and to be part of something bigger.  Being an artist is often so solitary especially with our time-consuming detailed work so it’s important to be with like-minded people.”

Most of the artists involved became known before social media existed and while often shared online the works are much better viewed in person, as many have a three-dimensional quality.  Berry is joined by the British trio of Matt Small (reclaimed metal), David Wightman (textured Wallpaper) and Australian based Benjamin Shine (tulle). Swede Lill O. Sjöberg who makes wood from reclaimed denim and Dutchman Max Zorn (packing Tape). The US based trio of Justin Ruby (sneakers), Christian Faur (crayons) and Canadian born Peter Combe (paint Swatches) make up the first nine who will show in the debut exhibition in London.

Other artists identified as part of the movement include Mark Wagner (US, dollar bills), Mark Evans (UK, etched leather), Bordalo II (Portugal, varying trash), David Mach (UK, metal coat hangers), Takahiro Iwasaki (Japan, sculpting out of unusual materials), Nick Gentry (UK, obsolete technology), Mathew Cusick (US, maps) the recently deceased Mary Ellen Croteau (USA, bottle caps) and of course, perhaps the original godfather, Brazilian Vik Muniz who made a name out of a variety of different materials.