Bloomberg New Contemporaries, ICA

Exhibitions come and go, but the Bloomberg New Contemporaries show at the Institute of Contemporary Arts
has been on the scene for well over half a century. A tried and tested litmus test of emerging talent, the exhibition showcases the rising stars amongst final year art students, graduates and practising professionals up to one year out of education. Past selections tipped for success have included Jake & Dinos Chapman, Tacita Dean, Mona Hatoum, Damien Hirst, David Hockney and Mike Nelson.

This year, the 65th year of the show, the selectors are Turner Prize nominees Marvin Gaye Chetwynd, Enrico David and Goshka Macuga. Moving image, illustration or installation; all works are submitted completely anonymously and the panel’s choice is made entirely based on merit. As you might imagine this means that competition is high and only 55 of the 1400 submissions make it through to the final touring exhibition.

Themes that receive particular scrutiny this year are human behaviour, language, the body and desire; explored in a variety of mediums including printmaking, video and performance works. This variety to the show each year ensures that it retains its reputation as a barometer for emerging talent.

After a successful run at the World Museum for the Liverpool Biennial in October, make sure you catch the best new contemporary artists in London this winter.