Major London art fair to showcase powerful new work addressing illness and resilience

A major art fair is set to showcase powerful new work that explores illness, resilience and the human experience.

The London Art Fair 2026 will run from January 21 to 25, with a special focus on art, climate issues, and personal storytelling through creative expression.

This year’s programme will feature a partnership with Cancer Research UK, highlighting the stories of artists whose cancer journeys have shaped their work.

Carole Ellis, an abstract realist artist diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998, said: “Surviving breast cancer taught me the value of every single day.

“My art is the legacy of that journey – created to lift spirits, offer hope, and bring a moment of light to anyone who needs it.”

Ms Ellis will debut a new body of work for the fair, which visually reimagines cells, tissues and tumours through abstract forms.

Also featured is Dr Helen Anahita Wilson, a composer and sound artist whose HER2+ breast cancer treatment inspired a series of sonic artworks.

Dr Wilson said: “My legacy, I hope, in my music is to try and improve the experience of treatment for others who are going through it now.

“I’m a living legacy of the work of Cancer Research UK.

“Trials and developments are part of the reason why I’m still here.”

Kathryn Toner, head of legacies at Cancer Research UK, said the partnership reflects the powerful connection between art and legacy.

Ms Toner said: “We’re really pleased to be partnering with the London Art Fair this year and hugely grateful to Carole and Helen for showcasing their work and speaking so openly about the impact that cancer has had on their lives.

“Art has the power to move us and create lasting impressions – just like a legacy gift.

“By leaving a gift in your will, you can help shape a future where more lives are saved.

“Legacy gifts fund over a third of Cancer Research UK’s vital work, driving pioneering trials and long-term research that could unlock new ways to outsmart cancer.

“Through this partnership, we’re celebrating the hope and inspiration that both art and legacy gifts bring – creating a legacy that protects generations to come.”

Alongside the Cancer Research UK collaboration, the fair will feature new galleries and international perspectives across its Main Fair, Platform and Encounters sections.

Exhibitions will span a broad range of themes, including climate change, craft traditions, women’s histories and political narratives.

Highlights include textile artist Vanessa Barragão’s large-scale recycled works that explore environmental fragility, and artist Julia Hall’s embroidered pieces telling stories of migration and resilience.

There will also be market-focused talks, performances and tours throughout the week.

The fair will present a collector’s guide to the print market, art market outlooks for 2026, and discussions on reviving artist estates.

All talks, panels and events are free for ticket holders and invitees.

London Art Fair opens with a press preview on January 20, with the public fair running from January 21 to 25.