Mercedes
Balle
Mercedes Balle’s art, inspired by the sublime, explores the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world, particularly within the urban landscape of London.
Born and raised in Mallorca, Balle is currently living in London while pursuing her MFA at the Slade School of Fine Art, UCL. She graduated from the Art Academy London in 2020, where she tutors.
Balle exhibited at The Koppel Project Station (London), The Blake Gallery (Gravesend), Studio Weil, and Casal Solleric (Mallorca), among others. She was a finalist at Art Jove 2020 and at 12 Voices at Studio Weil in 2021. In July 2024, she will be having her first solo exhibition at The Stone Space (London).
Charcoal on paper
70 x 80 cm
Algae and mud on jute
70 x 90 cm
Oil on canvas
35 x 30 cm
Oil on unprimed canvas
51 x 77 cm
Oil on board
35 x 35 cm
Charcoal on paper
70 x 80 cm
Ink on silk
79 x 120 cm
Etching on paper using a RAF tile as a plate
60 x 60 cm
Edition of 10
Oil on canvas
182 x 130 cm
As a mixed-media artist, Mercedes Balle uses construction materials, which she views as symbols of the disconnection between nature and humanity, to create art that questions the relationship between the economy and the environment.
Balle also examines the passage of time and the obsolescence of once-useful items, contrasting the temporalities of living beings with the constructed material world around us. Through the integration of biodegradable materials, the artist not only extends the circle of life, but also underscores her commitment to sustainability.
“Arriving in London from Mallorca, I felt enclosed by the buildings, which inspired me to explore the skies as a connection to nature.”
“My art evolved from traditional painting to incorporating construction materials, reflecting a shift in my priorities towards sustainability.”
“Dance and movement are primal forms of expression that I love to explore in my projects, capturing the wildness and freedom of human creativity.”
“I strive to paint without paint, using the inherent qualities of materials like scaffolding netting and mud to create visual experiences.”
Artworks
-
Mercedes Balle Walks (2023) Etching on paper
$500(h) 60 x (w) 60 cm
-
Mercedes Balle Clift (2023)Charcoal on paper
$1,000(h) 80 x (w) 70 cm
-
Mercedes Balle Clouds (2019)Oil on unprimed canvas
$3,000(h) 77 x (w) 51 cm
-
Mercedes Balle Landscape (2018)Oil on board
$1,250(h) 35 x (w) 35 cm
-
Mercedes Balle London Skies (2019)Ink on silk
$4,000(h) 120 x (w) 79 cm
-
Mercedes Balle Soils (2018)Oil on canvas
$1,250(h) 30 x (w) 35 cm
-
Mercedes Balle Sunny Winter Day (2019)Oil on canvas
$7,500(h) 182 x (w) 130 cm
-
Mercedes Balle Thames Banks – MMXXII (2022)Algae and mud on jute
$5,000(h) 90 x (w) 70 cm
-
Mercedes Balle We, Dancers (2019)Charcoal on paper
$750(h) 80 x (w) 70 cm
Discover emerging artists
Latest Articles
New York’s JFK Terminal 6 Set to Become a Contemporary Art Gateway
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has announced 18 new public art commissions for JFK Airport’s Terminal 6, opening in 2026. Led by the Public Art Fund, the initiative showcases the works of both native New Yorkers and international contemporary artists currently residing in the city. The $4.2 billion Terminal 6 project is a massive undertaking, with
Revamping Frieze London: A Bold New Layout and Curatorial Vision
Frieze London is aiming for a more nuanced approach this year, focusing on dynamic visitor interaction and a fluid exhibition experience through a new layout. The fair will feature more young galleries and offer artists greater opportunities to present their work directly to the public, moving beyond traditional gallery constraints. Frieze London will unveil a groundbreaking new layout designed by
Bill Viola, Visionary Video Artist Known for His Exploration of Time and Existence, Passes Away at 73
Bill Viola, a pioneering figure in video art celebrated for his exploration of themes such as time and human existence through a meticulous creative process, has died at the age of 73. Viola’s death underscores his profound impact on contemporary art, which continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Viola’s work underscores his fascination with slowing down the perception of time and
LACMA Faces Scrutiny for Displaying Questionable Korean Artworks
A significant controversy has arisen in the art world after Korean art experts raised concerns that the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) may be showcasing several fake artworks in an exhibition. The allegations call into question the authenticity of works attributed to prominent Korean painters Park Soo-keun and Lee Jung-seob. Korean Treasures from the Chester and Cameron Chang
The New Generation of Art Patrons: Young, Wealthy Americans Drive Art Market
According to a recent Bank of America report, Millennial and Gen Z millionaires maintain more diversified investment portfolios compared to older generations, displaying a strong preference for alternative investments. Over 80% of young millionaires view art as a promising asset class. The survey was conducted with 1,007 individuals in the US, aged 20-45, with investable assets of at least three
Lonnie Holley at Camden Art Centre: Narratives of History and Memory in Sculpture
Lonnie Holley’s solo show at Camden Art Centre features sculptures he created during his 2023 stay in Italy, alongside new pieces from a UK residency. Holley incorporates Americana iconography and cultural relics into his artwork, critiquing the unfulfilled promises of the American dream. Lonnie Holley connects personal stories with universal human experiences through his artwork, providing a moving meditation on
