Art

A powerful reflection on Nick Fraser’s legacy, Tate’s history of labour, and the ongoing fight for fairness behind the UK’s leading cultural institution.

From Bethnal Green to Hoxton, I stepped into galleries, shared his story, and imagined him walking these same streets decades ago — to the Tate & Lyle factory, to his flat where he painted in private for 30 years.

Born from a dream to give young people the space and encouragement to be seen, heard, and celebrated, the exhibition marked the first ever Imaginative Reaction showcase for artists aged 4–16. And what a day it was.

Curator Marcus O’Shaughnessy reflects on a transformative visit to Sotheby’s London — exploring unseen Picassos, major upcoming auctions, and the quiet work of carrying outsider artist Nick Fraser into the public eye.

Imaginative Reaction. A platform created not just for showcasing art, but for holding space. For grief, for recovery, for expression, for healing. For human beings.

On August 3rd, Imaginative Reaction will host its first ever Young Creatives Open Exhibition at the beautiful Burston Garden Centre in St Albans — a vibrant, family-friendly event set to honour young talent, nurture community connection, and celebrate the power of art in all its forms.

As parents, educators, and creators, we're now witnessing a moment where technology offers kids the ability to bring their wildest dreams to life. But as we embrace these tools, a bigger question emerges: Are we expanding children's creativity, or replacing it?

In a world so often driven by spectacle, it’s easy to imagine the art market as a stage, auctions as drama, bids as applause. But recently, a quieter shift has taken place. The art world is beginning to move inward.