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Filthy Fox Auction Club Vol. III: Breaking Barriers for Emerging Artists
BY MARK ANDERSON
The third edition of the Filthy Fox Auction Club (FFAC), held last week at The Old Church in Stoke Newington, London, has once again proven to be a trailblazer in reimagining the art auction experience. With 90% of the artworks sold and the highest average sales to date, the event celebrated not just the art but the thriving connection between emerging artists and a new wave of collectors.
The brainchild of Alexandra Hochgürtel and Paula Parole, FFAC is an artist-run initiative designed to break down the exclusivity of the traditional art world. This year’s auction showcased 33 works from 13 recent graduates of prestigious institutions, including Slade School of Fine Art, Camberwell College of Arts, and City & Guilds of London Art School, as well as Central Saint Martins, Goldsmiths, and the Royal College of Art. True to its mission of supporting artists, FFAC directed 100% of the hammer price to the creators, with the founders taking a modest 30% buyer’s commission to cover costs.
“This year’s event was beyond our expectations,” said Hochgürtel. “From the incredible turnout at The Old Church to the online participation, we’re thrilled by how much excitement and support the auction has generated.”
An Unforgettable Evening at The Old Church
Set in the stunning, atmospheric Old Church, the auction welcomed a sold-out crowd of 200 attendees. The evening began with a captivating performance by the ANGAQQUK collective, immersing the audience in an artistic ambience before the bidding began. The works, which had already been previewed at Sarah Kravitz Gallery in Soho earlier in the week, drew spirited competition from both in-person and online bidders.
The event wasn’t confined to the physical space alone. For the first time, nearly 50% of the bids came through Instagram, where the auction was live-streamed to a global audience. The hybrid format allowed collectors from all over the world to engage in the excitement, though room bidders retained a slight edge thanks to FFAC’s priority rule for offline offers.
“This hybrid model is part of what makes FFAC so unique,” explained Parole. “It democratizes access to contemporary art while maintaining the intimacy and energy of a live event.”
The auction ended with a celebratory afterparty featuring sets by Harold Van Lennep and MARILL (a DJ duo comprising artist Lexia Hachtmann and Louis Hoffmann), turning the evening into a vibrant celebration of creativity and community.
Empowering Emerging Artists
The heart of FFAC lies in its unwavering support for early-career artists. With all starting bids set under £1,000—some as low as £50—the auction makes investing in original art accessible while ensuring meaningful earnings for the creators.
“This experience has been life-changing,” said one participating artist. “Knowing my work resonated with collectors gave me the motivation to keep creating. The proceeds will help me fund my next project.”
The selection process for FFAC ensures a diverse and dynamic range of works, reflecting the bold, innovative spirit of London’s top art schools. In addition to graduates from Slade, Camberwell, and City & Guilds, the auction featured artists from Central Saint Martins, Goldsmiths, and the Royal College of Art, each contributing fresh perspectives to the collection. Participating artists included Lexia Hachtmann, Wei Xiong, and Mariana Sanchez, whose works drew significant attention during the bidding.
Changing the Game for Art Auctions
Hochgürtel and Parole launched FFAC in response to the exclusivity and high costs of the traditional art market. Their mission is simple but transformative: to make contemporary art accessible, affordable, and free of pretension. The results speak for themselves. The Filthy Fox Auction Club has not only built a loyal community of collectors but also provided a vital springboard for emerging artists. By fostering connections between creators and buyers, the auction gives early-career artists the financial and emotional support they need to thrive.
“This is more than an auction,” Hochgürtel remarked. “It’s a movement—a way to show that the art world can be inclusive, vibrant, and human.”
Looking Ahead
With the success of Vol. III, FFAC has firmly established itself as a standout event in London’s cultural calendar. Plans are already underway for the next edition, with the founders eager to bring even more talent to the fore.
For art enthusiasts, collectors, and supporters of emerging talent, FFAC has become an unmissable opportunity to invest in the future of contemporary art. As Parole put it, “This is just the beginning. We’re excited to keep pushing boundaries and celebrating what makes art so essential: its ability to connect people.”
For more information on the Filthy Fox Auction Club and updates on future events, visit:
Filthy Fox Auction Club Instagram
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