The count-down is on for Tokyo's most vibrant art event this year 29-30 Nov 2024

Expect over 100 exhibitors from around the world to take over Belle Salle Roppongi for the 7th Edition of Tokyo's must-see art event!

東京インターナショナルアートフェア

29-30 NOVEMBER 2024 | 2024年11月29日～30日

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Kim Minsu - Gallery Grappe (South Korea)

Set in the stunning Belle Salle Roppongi, just a stone's throw from the Mori Art Museum, the Tokyo International Art Fair brings together under one roof some of the most exciting and challenging artwork ever seen in the city.

GALLERY GRAPPE (booth C02) from South Korea will be amongst the 100 international exhibitors. They will exhibit and sell the paintings from artists Kim SoonCheol, Kim MinSu, Jeon DaWha and Lee Na, who are worldwide famous.

SOUTH TRIP GALLERY (booth D03) is the first Chilean Art Gallery oriented to the dissemination, promotion and export of Chilean and Latin American artists in the international art market.

GALLERY ART POINT (booth D05) was established at Ginza in Tokyo with the purpose of promoting artists and expanding contemporary art market in Japan. Since opening in 1969, it has conducted a policy of  presenting a wide range of exhibitions focusing on modern and contemporary art with local artists amongst them Hitoshi Yagi who is known for exploring new visual expressions through collage techniques, with a central theme of “What does a place belong to?”

Hitoshi Yagi - Gallery Art Point (Japan)

More than 100 artists and galleries will take part, transforming Tokyo's artistic landscape. Art collectors and enthusiasts alike will get a one-off opportunity to view the wide range of art on show, talk to the artists to learn what inspired them and buy unique art for their home, workspace or garden. They can also enjoy an exclusive preview by attending a champagne private view when the art fair opens its doors on the evening of Friday 29th November 2024 from 18:00hr. TICKETS

Paintings, sculpture, photography, illustrations, jewellery and bespoke crafts created using a wealth of different media and techniques are just some of the artworks at the two day event, with each artist carefully selected for the calibre, style and individuality of their work.

In launching the seventh edition of the hugely successful Tokyo International Art Fair, award-winning Sakura Group Curator Ms Tasha says, "This year's event will be a highlight on the vibrant Tokyo art scene, bringing a spectacular collection of contemporary work from established as well as emerging artists from across the globe – exhibitors from over 23 countries including many from Europe and Asia. I am thrilled to see a lot of Pop Art style work this year, which I am sure the local people will also be excited with.

Antonio Marra represented by Carparten Galerie (Germany) Booth D07 & D08

"Big names, among them are Markus Blazaizak, Antonio Marra, and Katrin Sefaj represented by Carparten Galerie (Germany) who will also have an interpreter for the deaf, meaning that any Japanese deaf visitors would understand. 

Heikedine Günther / Switzerland (booth D01)

Heikedine Günther is a Swiss contemporary artist living and working between Basel and Stalden, Switzerland. She is a painter, printer and sculptor who draws on the connection of abstraction and natural forms, and the concepts of microcosm and macrocosm.

José Luis Ramírez from Mexico (booth D04) The artist has developed a successful career, recently recognized in an international exhibition in which he received the "Artventurous & Paramount Art Awards" at the majestic Paramount Hotel in Dubai. His work has appeared in numerous art magazines and books around the world, such as the special edition "Top 200 Collectors" by Artnews Magazine and "The 100 Most Creative Mexicans in the World" by Forbes Mexico.

José Luis Ramírez / Mexico (booth D04)

Paulina’s Friends / Germany (booth C01)

PAULINA'S FRIENDS (booth C01) a sustainable slowfashion avantgarde couture label from Berlin. They connect sustainability and diversity creating a massive positive environmental impact. Zero waste. Unisize, unisex, uniseason. Funky, freaky, edgy wearable art. Unique. Every person is an unique piece of art. Their collections are handmade from couture leftovers/deadstock, vintage fabrics, world heritage fabrics and our own prints. We put real beauty, real people, real diversity in the center of fashion. Humanize and revolutionize the fashion industry and break down stereotypes and beauty standards in terms of age, body size, origin, gender.

Mr. AK (booth C03) is an India born British artist who has showcased in multiple exhibitions in the UK and internationally. He explores the sounds, movements, events around, seizes them forever and brings it to life using colours as if it’s talking to you. His art helps individuals bring their whimsical thinking and quirky behaviour out in open. His approach is to break all the conventional concepts of art in a positive way. In his words ‘My art is and should be a conversational starter’. He has also published his first illustrated book - The Bulbs of London: The Chronicles of Orby.

Mr AK (booth C03)

“Many more international exhibitors will be there, so the quality and the sheer diversity of the work on show will be outstanding. We want to fill the city with colour and get everyone talking about and buying art. The event will inspire and enrich everyone who steps foot through the door."

Alongside the art on show, the fair will feature live painting, also live music by DJ ‘Katsuya Everywhere’, expect Geisha’s to pour champagne on the opening evening, and there is the chance for every visitor to attend the Sakura Art Prize Ceremony on Saturday 30th November. The culmination of the event, the Sakura Art Prize recognise and acknowledge the hard work of all artists and galleries taking part, singling out one overall winner and two runners-up for particular praise.

In the meantime, Sakura Group who have taken over the event and put the Tokyo International Art Fair on a new high has highlighted some outstanding exhibitors for visitors to must see.

Christine Climent from France (booth 1M05) grew up among the forests, rivers, and castles of the Loire Valley. In the series of paintings created for the TIAF, she used circles of color to evoke the sparkling essence of life and the lightness of living.

RJ Wafer / USA (booth A02)

RJ Wafer from USA (booth A02) is a 360 photographer from Brooklyn, NY. He’s made a career out of bringing new technologies to market, including work with 3D printing, telepresence robotics, VR and AR projects, and for the last 25 years, he’s also taken pictures and shot video for live music. Given his background, 360 photography is the perfect way to capture the images he envisions. RJ orients his shots into tiny planets and prints them on sheet metal to bring out the light. A must see at the Tokyo International Art Fair this year!

Big and Small Art Gallery (booth A21) Philippines

Big and Small Art Gallery (booth A21) Philippines representing MB Pacquing (Filipino b. 1988) was born in Cagayan Valley Philippines. Pacquing's titled work " Immortality" features a complex layering of images and styles, ranging from realism, anatomy organs and abstraction. He views this layering process as a metaphor for the multifaceted inter national identity. MB Pacquing also assume there is 'no such thing' as immortality. In literal terms you are of course correct, but in social terms 'immortality' is rather different.

Furthermore a selection of local Japanese artists will be exhibiting and selling their original artworks such as; Risa Wada Tan, CHIKA TAKEI, Ogasawara Masumi Gallery, MT, and artist Makoto Ambo.

We all welcome you to visit the 7th edition of the Tokyo International Art Fair on Friday 29th November and Saturday 30th November 2024.

You can book your tickets online here: https://www.tokyoartfair.com/tickets

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Dates & Times:
Friday 29th November 2024, 18.00 - 21.00 - Opening - private view by invitation & ticket only. Including Champagne Reception, Private View and Vernissage and DJ Katsuya Everywhere. Tickets available here http://www.tokyoartfair.com/tickets

Saturday 30th November 2024, 11.00 - 18.00 - Open to the public, free entrance. Reserve your free ticket online: http://www.tokyoartfair.com/tickets

Live painting and the Sakura Art Prize at 17.45. Pre-book tickets here http://www.tokyoartfair.com/tickets

Venue:

BELLE SALLE Roppongi

Japan, 〒106-0032 Tokyo, Minato, Roppongi, 7 Chome−18−18, 住友不動産六本木通ビル

For more information about the Tokyo International Art Fair, please go to: www.tokyoartfair.com

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ENDS

Sakura Group Press Department

info@tokyoartfair.com

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Nate Hester, magic realism and the language of maximalist collage - Tokyo International Art Fair Exhibitor.

Nate Hester - an emerging mid-career, transdisciplinary, diaristic artist from North Carolina in the United States, exhibited widely two decades ago—resurfacing recently at Satellite Art Show concurrent to Art Basel Miami in December 2023 with subsequent exhibits in New York, Los Angeles and Tokyo. Hester’s unapologetic pop-punk, Southern Gothic, magic realism works are included in the permanent collections of the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University, the Allen Memorial Art Gallery at Oberlin College, the Newark Public Library, and the New York Public Library. In the upcoming year, Hester will be in residence at Residency Unlimited (Brooklyn NY), Kolaj Institute (New Orleans LA), Studio Kura (Fukoka, Japan), the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (Amherst VA) and Chateau Orqueveaux (Troyes, France). He loves fruit pies, the trickle of water over rocks along a creek in any deciduous forest and the memories of his 15 year old son as a young boy.

Hester’s absurd and reverential vision explores the charming if disquieting incongruities of the places, communities and bodies to which we all yearn to belong – in particular, the landscape of the modern home.  In his most recent topo-psychoanalytic, “In Search of Lost Time,” toys, flowers, imaginary avatars, human figures, found objects, and pop culture aphorisms cavort in almost—but never fully— comprehensible ways. The language of maximalist collage is invoked to address the fragmentation and inclusive reintegration of modern living. Hester asserts: “I don’t know about y’all, but my life is a hot-mess-dumpster-fire. Like that Leonard Cohen song about the cracks letting the light in, the beauty for me is how I manage to stitch all the ripped-toshreds pieces back together again.” Here, in the face of the predatory aggression of the adult world in the forms of advanced free market capitalism, neocolonialism and patriarchy, intimate sensuality and soulful tenderness prevail and proclaim that everything belongs to everything. In the face of sadness and “saudade” - the Portuguese concept of nostalgia for the future, Hester’s unapologetic pop-punk, Southern Gothic, magic realism calls forth the curiosity and playfulness of his own inner child, with the explicit hope that it invites audiences to connect to their own native and enduring bliss.

What drives you? 

I exist to expand the scope of human empathy through the expression of the silly sacred.  I care about and am driven by meaningful relationships.  The great thing about drawing from life or observational rendering is that it is always about harmonizing relationships. The way to achieve the correct proportions or tonal gradations is by seeing how things fit together.  I like when the right things fit together in the right way at the right time. In essence, I like creating harmony surprising harmony.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I get inspired by looking at Titian’s Andromeda in the Wallace Collection in London or graffiti in the banlieue train track corridors of Paris, hugging people that I love, reading Wallace Stevens’ “The Idea of Order at Key West,” going out to dinner with raucous friends, hiking to the top of mountains, diving into the ocean, dancing to funk beats and singing outlaw country music at the top of lungs.

If I could have a group exhibit with anyone in the world currently alive, I would want to call it “Sidewalk Shamanism: Contemporary Surrealist. Hip-Hop Protest Textiles” and feature the work of Yinka Shinobare from Nigeria, Nick Cave from Chicago, Joo Young Choi from Houston, Texas and Melissa Monroe from Portland, Oregon. 

What is your life quote/motto?

In Voltaire’s Candide, the naïve religious cleric, Pangloss, is a foil for the author to criticize organized religion at the time of the Enlightenment.  Pangloss routinely says, “Le paradis terrestre est ou je suis.”  This translates as “earthly paradise is wherever I happen to find myself.”  While this was used in mockery and derision as Pangloss would exclaim this in the face of experiencing real human atrocities, I have reappropriated it for my own brand of earnest optimism and devious delight.  In other words, my life motto is “bloom where planted.”  No matter what forces try to pave over you and block out your sunlight, keep pushing your leaves up through the cracks in the sidewalk.

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

I have been an interfaith hospital chaplain as well as a sports marketer for a cybersecurity company.

Website: https://www.thenatehesterstudio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nate_is_pretty_sketchy/

The count-down is on for Tokyo's most vibrant art event this year

Expect over 100 exhibitors to take over Belle Salle Roppongi for the 5th Edition of Tokyo's must-see art event!

東京インターナショナルアートフェア

07-08 JUNE 2019 | 2019年6月7日-8日

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“Ice Cream” by Ron English

Ron English's POPaganda is one of the headliners of the 5th edition of the Tokyo International Art Fair 2019. English's Cereal Killers and other characters from his renowned POPaganda art will be bursting onto the Toyko art scene next month when one of the world's most prolific and recognisable artists takes centre stage at the Tokyo International Art Fair.

English, famous for his signature mash-up of high and low cultural touchstones, joins other leading artists and galleries from around the globe making for the fifth edition of the city's must-see art event.

Set in the stunning Belle Salle Roppongi, just a stone's throw from the Mori Art Museum, the Tokyo International Art Fair brings together under one roof some of the most exciting and challenging artwork ever seen in the city.

More than 100 artists and galleries will take part, transforming Tokyo's artistic landscape. Art collectors and enthusiasts alike will get a one-off opportunity to view the wide range of art on show, talk to the artists to learn what inspired them and buy unique art for their home, workspace or garden. They can also enjoy an exclusive preview by attending a champagne private view when the art fair opens its doors on the evening of Friday 7th June.

Paintings, sculpture, photography, illustrations, jewellery and bespoke crafts created using a wealth of different media and techniques are just some of the artworks at the two day event, with each artist carefully selected for the calibre, style and individuality of their work.

In launching the fifth edition of the hugely successful Tokyo International Art Fair, Joëlle Dinnage of the award-winning Global Art Agency says, "This year's event will be a highlight on the vibrant Tokyo art scene, bringing a spectacular collection of contemporary work from established as well as emerging artists from across the globe – exhibitors from over 23 countries including many from Europe and Asia. I am thrilled to see a lot of Pop Art style work this year, which I am sure the local people will also be excited with.

Damien Hirst

“Gato Samuray” by TOT (Colombia) represented by HighArtGallery (Japan)

"Big names, among them Ron English represented by APPortfolio (China), Cho, Hui-Chin (Taiwan), Gallery 21 (Japan), Damien Hirst represented by Dutch Curator and many more, will be there, so the quality and the sheer diversity of the work on show will be outstanding. We want to fill the city with colour and get everyone talking about and buying art. The event will inspire and enrich everyone who steps foot through the door."

Alongside the art on show, the fair will feature live painting, also live music by DJ ‘Katsuya Everywhere’, expect Geisha’s to pour champagne on the opening evening, and there is the chance for every visitor to attend the Global Art Awards Ceremony on Saturday 8th June. The culmination of the event, the Global Art Awards recognise and acknowledge the hard work of all artists and galleries taking part, singling out one overall winner and two runners-up for particular praise.

In the meantime, Dinnage and her team has picked out her personal selection for must-see work this year:

Padi Faraji

Padi Faraji

An abstract artist originally from Iran now based in Japan, Faraji takes her inspiration from nature, in particular the ocean. Designs, colours and textures of layers upon layers with dramatic movements often play out in her works. Paint is not just a colouring material; by applying paint layer by layer, the artist creates a sculptural expression.

Harry Arling

Dutch artist Arling creates Kosmotronics, works of art made from plastic waste. It's the Art of Alchemy, where the discarded, unwanted and waste of a consumer society is transformed into the dreams of the child in us all, in the fantastical and beautiful. Colour lifts the spirit and detail delights the eye. The mechanical whimsical; the joyous unreal made solid.

Cho, Hui-Chin

Cho, Hui-Chin

A resist-destiny female artist from Taiwan suffering from the distorted world who enjoys creating distorted artworks. Her grotesque yet serene artworks explore the existence between life and death, investigate the darkest humanities and reveal the fetish. She works across painting and sculpture and with deeply symbolic materials, explaining their association with "life once lived".

Jatin Khan

Jatin Khan

Khan's (India) art focuses on the fundamental commonality of all humanity, specifically emotion, evolution and ascension. It simultaneously aims to transcend all concepts of regionalism, stereotype herd culture and societal programming, with a unique unrepeatable quality. Each work is a different experience in itself aimed at evoking pure emotion, carrying its own unique energy signature. https://www.instagram.com/jatinkhanart/

UWA

The Indonesian artist's work is a continuous tour between our inner landscape towards our idea of “light”, our very nature of existence in this present universe. It’s about the portrayal of your own ‘bigger’ or higher self, God according to your own image, across the portal, digging through dimensions. Surrounded with ice, maybe water, a spectrum of colours not yet known to earth standing beyond him, the one who always guides him, his own future self.

Alexander Yaya, Crisolart Galleries (Barcelona, Spain)

A prominent representative of the so-called “highbrow” art movement, largely focused on figurative and abstract sculpture and painting, Yaya's works are distinguished by organic forms and spectacular colours that create a harmonious balance between nature and human. The artist is prone to decorativeness; his works work equally well as monumental graffiti on the wall of a house or a stylish fabric print.

Michele Righetti

Singapore-based painter and sculptor Michele Righetti is an incisive contemporary thinker of art able to master inter-disciplinary techniques and styles through paintings, sculpture and graphics. A unique and fascinating imaginary world is celebrated through artworks telling stories deeply rooted within life experiences, memories, culture and fascination for nature elements.

Ron English, APPortfolio, China

One of the most prolific and recognisable artists alive today, Ron English has bombed the global landscape with unforgettable images, on the street, in museums, in movies, books and TV. He coined the term POPaganda to describe his signature mash-up of high and low cultural touchstones, from superhero mythology to totems of art history, populated with his vast and constantly growing arsenal of original characters.

Araki Nobuyoshi

The 3D sculpture is a handmade, hand-painted ceramic based on Araki’s childlike drawing in his publication Dotei Datcho-Kun, 1995. The elephant artwork DELON KUN presents a symbol of a man, showing when several men compete to win the best woman first. However, they are so fiercely competitive that they cannot move together and finally all fail and show a state of sagging, just like human sexuality and physiology.

Andrei Tunikov

Striving to convey dynamics and character through plastics, Tunikov turned to the image of birds and discovered an amazing world of their feelings and emotions. His choice is migratory birds forced to move around in search of warm places for hunting and propagation. The artist emphasises and expresses this life path full of discoveries, challenges and victories, reflecting the details of anatomical and physical resemblance to life.

The Tokyo International Art Fair takes place on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th June 2019.

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Dates & Times:
Friday 7th June 2019, 18.00 - 21.00 - Opening - private view by invitation & ticket only. Including Champagne Reception, Private View and Vernissage sponsored by Wall Street Journal and DJ Katsuya Everywhere. Tickets available here http://www.tokyoartfair.com/tickets

Saturday 8th June 2019, 11.00 - 18.00 - Open to the public, free entrance.

Live painting and the Global Art Awards Ceremony at 17.00. Pre-book tickets here http://www.tokyoartfair.com/tickets

Venue:

BELLE SALLE Roppongi

Japan, 〒106-0032 Tokyo, Minato, Roppongi, 7 Chome−18−18, 住友不動産六本木通ビル

For more information about the Tokyo International Art Fair, please go to: www.tokyoartfair.com

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ENDS

Press contacts:

Sarah Pracey + 44 7985 112 777 / sarah@praceypr.com

or

Joëlle Dinnage + 44 7825 443925

office@globalartagency.com

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Araki Nobuyoshi | Japan

Tokyo International Art Fair 2018 success at Roppongi BelleSalle

More than 7000 art aficionados were eager to enter through the doors of BelleSalle Roppongi over the weekend (Friday 25th and Saturday 26th May 2018) as Tokyo city hosted the fourth Tokyo International Art Fair organised by the Global Art Agency (GAA Ltd).

Roppongi BelleSalle was arranged to perfection with over 100 artist and gallery stands from over 30 countries from around the world. The atmosphere was charged with positive vibes as visitors took in the wide range of original art available and took pieces they had purchased home.

Charles Ho from The Wall Street Journal said: "What an evening in Roppongi, where international artists meeting global insights, a superb platform for uprising talent."

New York Gallery from Japan sold within the first hour an original painting by the artist FLORE for 1.2 mill JPY, followed by many more during the art fair.

First prize winner of 2016 Best TIAF Artist Award August Vilella who sold 3 artworks last year worth $ 45,000 USD was back again this year making another outstanding performance... "It is like being family over-here, always a pleasure to exhibit with such a fine organisation."

The weekend culminated in the announcement on Saturday afternoon of the winner of the "Best Tokyo International Art Fair Artist" in by both the panel of judges and members of the public.

1st Prize: Bharat Thakur
2nd Prize: New Now Gallery
3rd Prize: Cristina Jin (Sun Gallery, New York)

From left to right: Manu Alguero, Natal Vallve, Igor Abramovich (New Now Gallery) Barat Thakur, Cristina Jin, New Now Gallery, Joëlle Dinnage.

First prize went to Bharat Thakur who displayed a miracle of realism portraits (for some on the border shuddersome) although technique and style of the highest form! The second prize went to New Now Gallery, owned by Igor Abramovich who's vision lays with Ukrainian art and helping create painting collections in Ukraine. Promotes cooperation between Ukrainian painters and renown auction houses of the world — Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Phillips and Bonhams. Believes that nowadays national art is becoming a worthy partner of international cultural dialogue. Third prize went to Cristina Jin ( New York) originally comes from New Zealand and she believes our purest form of emotion are in the moments. Those emotion is the most honest, natural and emphatic. She wants to keep that entrance of memory, no matter she goes back or not. Christina always carries her easel wherever she goes. Painting for her is to capture the natural first-hand reaction to her encounters, the thrill and the fear and the realization of her adventure.

Organisers of the fair; Joëlle Dinnage and Natal Vallvé from the Global Art Agency added their appreciation to the city's reaction to the event and the enthusiasm they found from artists and visitors alike.

"TIAF 2018 was a great success not only for the big selection of exhibitors from all around the world. It was a window of what's going on in the contemporary art world nowadays" Natal Vallvé said.

"We'll be back for more in 2019 and are already planning next year's event," Joëlle Dinnage said.

For more information on next year's Tokyo International Art Fair and other forthcoming events, please visit www.tokyoartfair.com or www.globalartagency.com Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GlobalArtAgency and follow us on Twitter
https: //twitter.com/GlobalArtAgency

Alexandra Mekhanik; "Unfinished phrase of my brush gives the opportunity to enlarge the viewers’ imagination."

Artist and Photographer Alexandra Mekhanik was born in Moscow in October ’78 in the 4th generation of architects and artists of her father’s family. Graduated as a Master of Technology and Interior Designer of Architectural spaces. Alexandra has been working as an interior designer and decorator for 15 years making public and private spaces in mainly in France, Russia, and Germany.

She describes her artwork as Monochrome. Minimalism. Elegance. Harmony.

"Unfinished phrase of my brush gives the opportunity to enlarge the viewers’ imagination. In general the message of my works is to Welcome to the Harmony of your Mind and Soul!"

How would you describe yourself? And your artwork?

Clearly readable minimalism and harmony in everything. Dignity is highly appreciated in my heart. About myself,.. open hearted, easygoing and understanding. My credo is “treat others as you want to be treated”.

My works are slightly unfinished to offer the space for the viewers’ imagination and fantasy.

As to photography, they are taken in a special way to show out the idea, to make the viewers appreciate even tiny details which we could hardly ever notice in our fast life. Color combinations are chosen to be so delicious to give a pleasure to the viewers looking at them longer and longer, discovering more interesting unusual details.: 

What is your definition of art?

Art has no rules. Endless quantity of different technics and mixed media of art now allows the artist’s heart speak genuinely to the viewers, becoming one of international language of peace and life philosophy. Art is a mission living deep inside while artist is collecting his inspiration until the explosion of  his feelings and emotions.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Night is the most inspiring time for me to create.

Talking about collecting the inspiring moments, I find them everywhere. And of course, I need to travel. Comparing cultural deference, learning all the time, looking, noticing beauty in unexpected places, in hardly visible details..

Where do you see your art going in ten years?

Ideally it’s going to become a multifunctional capsular atelier for different art media such as painting, drawings, sculpture, photography, installations, furniture design, homeware and home wear. As far as, anyway, all this connected with printing, it would be great to organize a publishing/typographical space there for making coffee table art books, fine art photography books, as well as coffee tables themselves, which I have patented recently. I also see my own gallery where I would be happy to gather the works of the most interesting artists from all over the world, to organize Art Exhibitions, Art Fairs, and Charity Galas for those who appreciate art of any kind and see the depth of the artworks as well as their message to the world.

Can you tell us what you have going on right now?

One of the most exciting project for me now is Four Elements on canvas. It’s a kind of challenge for me, because I’ve never worked in this style. But astrology has always been an attractive subject for me, as well as the knowledge about zodiac signs, different associations around it. The moon power gives me a lot of inspiration and motivation to dare. Hopefully It will grow into an extraordinary project in collaboration with a great Astro scientist.

Website url: http://alexandramekhanik.simpl.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_artist.alexandra/?hl=en

Facebook: Alexandra Mekhanik

Art painter and Art Fashion Designer Hiroko Saigusa from Tokyo expresses the power of life we create

At first glance, Hiroko Saigusa’s vibrant paintings are mesmerizing. Working in predominantly acrylic on canvas, HIROKO seamlessly weaves bold lines, geometric planes, and energetic fields of color that comprise her dynamically abstract oeuvre. Her works are at once playful and emotive. In paintings such as Power, curved organic shapes composed of bright red, chartreuse, and navy tones dance and writhe around each other in a nearly dizzying manner. HIROKO’s The 60s evokes a similar playfulness, incorporating bright tones of orange, green and yellow contained within shapes that are reminiscent of the Flower Power movement. Passion elicits a mood of cheerful frenzy as contrasting shades of red, blue, orange, and yellow endlessly twirl around each other.

Born in Japan, the artist is heavily influenced by activities such as drawing, textiles, fashion design, graphic design, and space design. Throughout much of her oeuvre, HIROKO frequently incorporates the color red. She states: “[Red] represents human blood and I feel that I can expresses the power of life we create. It represents vitality, capability, and emotions of human beings.” The artist currently resides in Japan.

This is a short Q&A with HIROKO SAIGUSA.

Q: What is your definition of art?

A: I think that what is alive is art. I am very active and I want to make friends with people all over the world.

Q: Where do you get your inspiration?

A: Passion and fashion

Q: How do you deal with artist's block?

A: Never experienced it 

Q: Where do you see your art going in ten years?

A: Paris collection; That my art makes it to fashion.

Q: Can you tell us what you have going on right now?

A: Study of psychiatry

Q: Can you tell us what your 'Before I Die' is?

A: Have my own shop and say thank you my memories friends and family

Q: Best Commissioned artwork ever done was…?

A: Received the Grand Prize at the Japan-China-Korea Art Exhibition. And interview with magazines

Q: Which are your favourite artists?

A: Jean-Michel Basquiat

Q: Greatest achievements so far…?

A: My paintings are currently designed on clothes on show in San Francisco.

Q: Would love to exhibit my work in...?

A: I am praying for activities in New York, Berlin, France and around the world.

Website url: www.hirokosaigusa.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hiroko.saigusa

TIAF 2017 REVIEW - Tokyo International Art Fair 2017, Hikarie, Shibuya.

More than 6000 art aficionados were eager to enter through the doors of Hikarie Hall over the weekend (Friday 26th and Saturday 27th May 2017) as Tokyo city hosted the third Tokyo International Art Fair organised by the Global Art Agency (GAA Ltd).

Hikarie Hall was arranged to perfection with over 150 artist and gallery stands from over 30 countries from around the world. The atmosphere was charged with positive vibes as visitors took in the wide range of original art available and took pieces they had purchased home.

Visitors were sipping away on Bombay Sapphire Cocktails sponsored by Bacardi Japan, whilst looking around to invest into a piece of original art.

Exhibitor Sabet from California who sold one of his original paintings "Snow Monkey" for a substantial price of $ 12,000. Was back again this year and performed some live painting sessions to the crowd of Tokyo. He said: "It has been yet again amazing and I'll forever be grateful to the GAA team! Cannot wait till next year!"

Exhibitor Victoriano said: "Tokyo International Art Fair 2017 has been an amazing experience, It was the first time I shown part of my new CMYK collection so I wasn't sure what to expect, but was overwhelmed by all the nice comments, and I sold my 2 star pieces. All in all a great event, thanks GAA team!"

The weekend culminated in the announcement on Saturday afternoon of the winner of the "Best Tokyo International Art Fair Artist" in by both the panel of judges and members of the public.

From left to right: LOC, Mr Vallve, Ms Dinnage, Ben Mori, Mr Maruhashi, Shinichi Tashiro.

Art by Shinichi Tashiro

First prize went to Japanese street artist Shinichi Tashiro (represented by TOKYO Gallery Singapore) Tashiro who is known for constructing highly inventive collages that make humorous commentaries on subjects from fashion to consumer culture. The second prize went to Ben Mori (represented by SEZON Art Gallery) who was born in Tokyo to a Japanese Father and an American Mother. After graduating from Keio Jr. High, he then attended school on the East Coast where he graduated from the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, majoring in Graphic Design. And the third prize went to LOC Gallery (Hong Kong) LOC pride themselves for being a bridge for art, interior design and children's education, pushing the boundaries of what a traditional design firm should be - and our Jury agreed.

Organisers of the fair; Joëlle Dinnage and Natal Vallvé from the Global Art Agency added their appreciation to the city's reaction to the event and the enthusiasm they found from artists and visitors alike.

"TIAF 2017 was a great success not only for the big selection of exhibitors from all around the world. It was a window of what's going on in the contemporary art world nowadays due the best artists " Natal Vallvé said.

"We'll be back for more in 2018 and are already planning next year's event," they said.

For more information on next year's Tokyo International Art Fair and other forthcoming events, please visit www.tokyoartfair.com or www.globalartagency.com Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GlobalArtAgency and follow us on Twitter
https: //twitter.com/GlobalArtAgency

Tokyo International Art Fair 2017 - Press Release

Building on the success of the first and second edition - the GAA Ltd also known as the Global Art Agency are organising the third Tokyo International Art Fair for 26 & 27 May 2017 at an amazing new venue "Hikarie Shibuya" which is located in the heart of Shibuya.

More than 150 exhibitors from over 35 countries will be filling the Hikarie Hall in 9F at the Hikarie Shibuya venue with an incredible display of contemporary art and thousands of artworks for sale. Organisers Natal Vallvé and his business partner Joëlle Dinnage from the Global Art Agency are making the fantastic (free) two-day art extravaganza a versatile art happening for the locals of Tokyo. A huge variety of artworks, offering every visitor something to suit their style, all in an affordable price-range to buy and to take home on the day.

Satoshi Maruhashi who is part of the organisation says: "I am extremely happy with the new venue, it will be a better atmosphere to display art."

On show will be paintings, sculptures, photography art, illustrations, printmaking, and jewellery, with a live painting and music show at the event.

“Almost 7000 people visited the event last year and lot of sales happened, so everyone was very satisfied. There was no doubt to organise a third edition, and we have worked very hard to get a bretter new venue in one of Tokyo's hotspots attracting art aficionado's from all over the world." said organiser Natal Vallvé.

"We have new talent exhibiting this year as well as some known names that exhibited other year, and of course there are the known New York Art Gallery who will showing Mr Brainwash, as well as Shane Bowden - also known as the Andy Warhol on steroids - who did very well last year." said organiser Joëlle Dinnage.

Ben Alan

HIGHLIGHTS: Sinclair Watkins (USA), Shane Bowden (Australia),, New York Art Gallery (Japan), Krystal Glam Art Gallery (Japan), Ja Shang Tang (Taiwan), Shinji Horimura (Japan), Rachel Hope Allan (New Zealand), Hannah Theodorou (Thailand), Gianni Corda (Italy), Juan Moroni (Argentina), Angelika Kahl (Germany), AD-Reflex (South Africa), Shen Fung Lin (Taiwan), El Miedo (Chile), Yuri Zatarain (Mexico), Casey Freeman (Australia), Ben Alan (United Arab Emirates), Alisa Rawls (USA), Keiko Imaizumi (Canada), La Galerie De L'Instant (France), and many more...

Casey Freeman

The fair opens on Friday 26th May with a private view and Vernissage for invitees only starting at 18.00pm to 21.00pm (limited tickets are also available to purchase online). On Saturday 27th May the art fair is open to the public from 11.00am to 19.00pm with the Global Art Awards happening at 18.00pm that day announcing the best Artist of the fair.

Tickets to the Tokyo International Art Fair 2017 are free and can be booked online by going to their website www. tokyoartfair.com The event takes place from Friday 26th May to Saturday 27th May 2017 at HIKARIE SHIBUYA, Hikarie Hall 9F, 2 Chome-21-1 Shibuya, Tokyo 150-8510, Japan.

For more information about the event and to visit please visit www.tokyoartfair.com

Success for second Tokyo International Art Fair 2016 - Omotesando Hills

More than 8000 art aficionados were eager to enter through the doors of Omotesando Hills over the weekend (Friday 13th and Saturday 14th May 2016) as Tokyo city hosted the second Tokyo International Art Fair organised by the Global Art Agency (GAA Ltd).

The Space-O hall at the venue was arranged to perfection with over 150 artist and gallery stands from over 30 countries from around the world. The atmosphere was charged with positive vibes as visitors took in the wide range of original art available and took pieces they had purchased home.

Visitors were sipping away on Martini Champagne and Bombay Sapphire Cocktails sponsored by Bacardi Japan, whilst looking around to invest into a piece of original art.

Exhibitor Sabet from California sold one of his original paintings "Snow Monkey" for a substantial price of ¥1,300,000. He said; "Thank you to Global Art Agency for giving me a platform to sell here at the Tokyo International Art Fair - it has been amazing and I'll forever be grateful to the GAA team! Can't wait till next year!"

Tahe D from Tahiti said; "Thanks to this event I have sold my art and most importantly I am now sponsored by Air Tahiti and Tropical Vision. It has been amazing!" 

Ernesto Heen who was represented at the Digital Art Showcase: "Thank you for the great Tokyo International Art Fair. Promoting my work that was shown on the Digital Art Screens even if I couldn’t be there in person. I look forward to the next occasion and would like to congratulate all participating artists and the GAA Art Event Team for their great work." 

Frank van der Meijden from the Netherlands sold completely out after he met a collector coming all the way from Spain to the event. "I am over the moon, I had one of the biggest stands and I completely sold out. Big thanks to the organisation."

Frank wasn't the only one that sold out. Shane Bowden (Australia, living in San Diego) represented by the New York Gallery (Japan) sold also completely out and was one of the highlights of the show. 

Visitors also enjoyed the Me-Fie booth were they could create long-lasting TIAf 2016 memories in the form of selfies with special effects. 

The Contemporary Art of Excellence Book Volume II was in populair demand at the event, with over 150 books sold at the fair to collectors coming from as far as United States, Singapore and Hong Kong.  

The weekend culminated in the announcement on Saturday afternoon of the winner of the "Best Tokyo International Art Fair Artist" in show by both the panel of judges and members of the public.

First place went to August Vilella (Barcelona) who creates oil paintings by means of a surreal-intuitive method. Second place went to Sezon Art Gallery (Tokyo), and third price to Shingo420 (Tokyo). The Facebook competition winner voted by the public went to Babtiste Tavernier

Organisers of the fair; Satoshi Maruhashi, Joëlle Dinnage and Natal Vallvé from the Global Art Agency added their appreciation to the city’s reaction to the event and the enthusiasm they found from artists and visitors alike.

“TIAF 2016 was a great success not only for the big amount of visitors and sales, but also for the fine selection of exhibitors from all around the world. It was a window of what's going on in the Contemporary Art world nowadays due the best artists from different countries from around the world represented the style, the concept and new languages from each country showing the different personalities in the art world." Natal Vallvé said.

Joëlle Dinnage organiser added: "I am extremely happy with the sales this year, it has exceeded last year's event in Tokyo. The first prize winner of this year's Best TIAF Artist Award August Vilella is in the process of selling 3 artworks worth $45,000 in total. This is a substantial amount for an individual emerging artist, and shows how much new talent is out there that has huge potential. Seeing the exhibitors so fulfilled makes us very happy." 

“We’ll be back for more in 2017 and are already planning next year’s event,” Satoshi Maruhashi said.

For more information on next year’s Tokyo International Art Fair and other forthcoming events, please visit www.tokyoartfair.com or www.globalartagency.com Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GlobalArtAgency and follow us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/GlobalArtAgency

---ENDS---

Press contacts:
Satoshi Maruhahi agent@globalartagency.com
 

PREVIEW BY THE JAPAN TIMES - TIAF 2016

Tokyo International Art Fair 2016 | Omotesando Hills

"Life is beautiful” is a phrase that clearly applies to street artist Thierry Guetta, aka Mr. Brainwash. In just a matter of years, he went from spray-painting alleyways to selling art installations worth thousands. He even collaborated with pop star Madonna.

Life is just as beautiful for painter Dawn Ward, aka Sunrise Welward Art. Last year she traveled to Tokyo from Okinawa for the Tokyo International Art Fair, sold most of her paintings there, and afterward received queries from galleries and potential clients.

Both artists are among the more than 150 showing their work at this year’s fair, which takes place on May 13 and 14. The event aims to showcase both rookie and veteran artists, as well as create chances for networking and buying the art on display.

As the fair runs on two days, it will also be split into private and public viewings. First up is the private, which costs ¥1,500. That provides potential buyers with first pick of the art on offer and includes a serving of Champagne. The public viewing is free, but a lot of people are expected to show up: the inaugural Tokyo International Art Fair last year welcomed more than 6,000 guests.

In addition to New York Art Gallery exhibiting Mr. Brainwash and Sunrise Welward Art, keep an eye out for artists such as Michael Lam, the New York-based artist famous for his single stroke calligraphy, and Shane Bowden, who has been described as “Andy Warhol on steroids.” London-based director James Skeritt will be using this year’s art fair to unveil two new films, “Sleeping” and “What is 9thWaveGallery.” Both pieces feature the works of Japanese, Hawaiian and Irish artists. (Drew Bateman).

Dates & Times:
Friday 13th May 2016 : 18.00pm - 21.00pm
Including Champagne Reception, Private View and first opportunity to buy art.

Saturday 14th May 2016 : 11.00am - 19.00pm
Live painting, Buy Art Show, Global Art Awards Ceremony (18.00pm) FREE ENTRY

Tickets: Available here

Venue: Omotesando Hills, Main Building, B3F SPACE O. 4-12-10 Jingumae,Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001 JAPAN

Website: www.tokyoartfair.com

ARTICLE SOURCE

Tokyo International Art Fair 2016 - Omotesando Hills

Satoshi Maruhashi - Global Art Agency

昨年、大成功を収めたアートフェア-TOKYO INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR- が今年もまた5月13日（金）、14日（土）の2日間において、東京のシャンゼリゼと呼ぶに相応しい青山、表参道ヒルズを舞台に開催される。

30カ国以上、150名を越える参加アーティストの現代アートが販売作品として、表参道ヒルズ B3スペース オーに集約される。

このフェアを主催するジョエル・ディナガとナタル、そして日本でのオルガナイザーを

務めるSatochiMaruhashi（丸橋聡）がこの２日間において、日本の人たちへ言語や文化の垣根を越えた、グローバルなアート感覚を伝えようとしています。

世界の“今”の現代アートを手に入れることができるアートフェアTIAF2016に是非、足を運んで自分が求めているスタイルを見つけてもらいたい。

このアートフェアの見所は、単なる観るだけの展覧会でなく、その場で海外の作家と話しながら、作品を購入するができるという楽しみがある。販売作品には絵画はもちろん、彫刻、写真、イラスト、ジュエリーといった様々な作品もあり、また会場でのライブペインティングを観ながら現代アートを体感できる新感覚アートベントということ。

第一回目のフェアでは6000人にも及ぶ来場者があって、沢山のひとと繋がることができたの、参加アーティストはもちろん、来てくれた人たち皆が満足したイベントになって、これは絶対続けて行かなければいけないって思ったの。２回目のフェアの会場探しには色々なハードルがあったけど、最高な空間と出会えて本当によかったわ。

今年の参加アーティストには期待の新鋭アーティストはもちろん、前回、大好評だったミスター・ブレインウォッシュとして知られるシェーンボーデンの名前もあります – 現代のアンディ・ウォーホルを思わせる彼の作風は前回、非常に好評でした。

参加アーティスト：

ローラ・ジョーダン(イギリス), キャナル・チェンジャルー（フィンランド）,セヴェラナ・シンテスヴァ（ベルギー）,ハイヤット・セイジ（モロッコ）,ソフィア。シアン（ロシア）,リ・ウェイ・チェン（台湾）,風ギャラリー（日本）,マーク・ジェームスフォード（ドイツ）,

Hiba Sultan (Saudi Arabia)

ロリーン・コルブレナー（アメリカ）,スージー・ファデルナッシフ（アラブ）,トーマス・ジョンテイラー（アメリカ）,ショーン・ボーデン（オーストラリア）,ミスター・ブレインウォッシュ（フランス）,

ニューヨーク・アートギャラリー（日本）,クリスタル・グラムアートギャラリー（日本）,その他

フェアは、招待のオープニングと内覧会のみ13日（金）

18:00〜21.00pmに18.00pmで始まります。（限定チケットはオンラインでも購入可能です）。

14日（土）は通常の入場は11:00〜19:00となっています。

グローバルアートアワードの授賞式があります。

限定チケットのご予約はこちら。

その他詳細につきましては、www.tokyoartfair.comにてご覧いただけます。

Participating as an Exhibitor: The Tokyo International Art Fair are now in the final stage of curating and selection process. They are inviting the outstanding artists to apply online www.tokyoartfair.com

出展者の方：

第２回東京インターナショナル・アート・フェアの出展について、

現在、オンラインwww.tokyoartfair.comにて参加登録された参加アーティストの方々を選考中です。

沢山のご応募をお待ちしております。

Tokyo's newest art fair brings global talent, famous names, and street-art to Harajuku!

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"Rolling Stones" by Mr Brainwash (Los Angeles) - Represented by New York Gallery (Tokyo)

Press Release II : For immediate release.

22nd April 2015: Artistic talent from all around the world as well as from Japan is converging on Tokyo next month as the city gets ready to hold the first Tokyo International Art Fair from 22nd to 23rd May 2015 at Harajuku Quest Hall.

Some 150 outstanding artists and distinguished galleries from 30 countries as far flung as United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Netherlands, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, China, India, Russia, Africa, the USA and Australia and many prestigious exhibitors from the city itself will be out in force at the fantastic free two-day art extravaganza.

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Art by Shane Bowden

Among these are Tokyo based New York Gallery, who represent the artworks by Los Angeles based Mr Brainwash (known from his role in the Oscar nominated "Exit Through the Gift Shop" a film by Banksy.) And also represent the Australia's Brisbane-born artist Shane Bowden based in California. Known for his intuitive, free feeling and wacky themes. Shane is like a Andy Warhol injected with steroids, and is likened to Damien Hirst. Collage technique, unpredictable material, and forms being created in the mess deliberately. From Tony Blair (former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom) up to the conference room of the Vogue Magazine, his artwork has been loved by a wide range from prominent collectors from around the world, regardless of genre. Shane will attend the Tokyo Art Fair in person so a unique opportunity to meet him!

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Krystal & Glam Luxury art gallery - Daniele Donde

Tokyo based Krystal & Glam luxury art Gallery represent the works by Daniele Donde. Handcrafted fine artworks that have great detail, and is dazzled with glamorous and precious stones. The artworks have been featured by the press globally and is a must-see, or a must-buy.

9th Wave Gallery (Hawaii) will have a collection of contemporary art incorporating everything from Zen Surrealism to Hawaiian Surf Art, by a selection of international artists that create cutting edge art, presenting them with a message of Aloha.

Local Japanese artists that participate include; 
Asako Iwamizu, famous for the use of vibrant colors eliciting a sense of joy. Hayato Shiratori, known for his Manga art. Ginger, illustrator, sign-writer, pin striper, and graphic artist. Gypsy.P, musician and spiritual artist. Yucchi Design By Evolve, surf art and design, original art boards and wetsuits. Susanow, Street Artist. TAIKEN, urban artist with a love for HipHop. Fusako Ekuni, working with the mysteries of the light and the energy. Sunrise Welward Art, self taught Artist from Ireland, living in Japan inspired by South-Africa where she grew up.

…and many other exhibitors living locally in Tokyo.

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"Guna" by Demian Dressler represented by 9th Wave Gallery

Satoshi Maruhashi (Tokyo): "I have been looking forward to the Tokyo Art Fair for a very long time. It's great that Japanese Artists as well as European and many other Nationalities are coming together for this first huge artist art fair in Tokyo."

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Christine Walters - Live Performance Art

Christine Walters (USA) who will take part is a Performance Artist who paints the abstract of LIVE DJ music. Born in Indiana, schooled in Alabama and cultured in New York City Walters comes from an artistically divers family which she accredits her love for combining music and performance painting.  For Christine music is not just music, it's a medium that spills onto a surface. - "It will be a spectacular show at the Tokyo Art Fair."

Sarah Britten (South-Africa) works in a somewhat unusual medium: lipstick. (Yes, really.) Sarah started working with it in 2002, when she became involved with a Range Rover campaign in late 2010 that she began to paint lipstick cityscapes. 

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"Red Bull" by Sarah Britten - Lipstick Art

Souren Mousavi (UK) was born is Persia in 1969 and her ancestral family is linked to the Persian Monarchy. Her childhood found her embroiled in the Iran-Iraq war which was to have a lasting impact on her life. Souren`s passion for all things artistic eventually resulted in her graduating with a Master’s Degree in Fine Art from the University of Tehran. Her expression of freedom and her commitment to women`s rights led to her arrest and eventual imprisonment. Her work was deemed offensive by the regime and Souren was to experience many years of darkness. Souren now lives and works in Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-Upon-Avon. 

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Art by Souren Mousavi

Curator Joelle Dinnage, says about the selection “The applications to participate exceeded expectations, that's why the selection process has been very strict and resulted in a divers and profound selection, which has all of its exhibitors fizzing with excitement of being part of the inaugural event. It has also got a great declaration of how popular contemporary visual art is in Tokyo, with hundreds tickets pre-booked visitors waiting to attend with anticipation. The organisation Global Art Agency Ltd is extremely looking forward to this event, as its the first (of many) in Asia." 

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"Flying Dreadnought" by Vinki Qoz

Natal Vallve also a Curator at the organisation said: "Asian artists nowadays are one of the most emerging artists around the world, and we can see the same is happening with the asian art market, which growing extensively. We are proud to be the first UK based organisation bringing so much talent together to Tokyo, and also our collectors have been fanatic to come to the art fair from many different countries such as Spain, and UK to see the extraordinary show."

Among paintings on show there will be sculptures, photography art, illustrations, street & urban art, illuminated artworks by Vinki Qoz (China), and live performance art accompanied with live music from several well-known Japanese DJ's.

The Tokyo International Art Fair takes place at Harajuku Quest Hall on Friday 22nd May 2015 with the private viewing from 6pm to 9pm with tickets costing 1500 JPY and include a glass of Champagne, live music and the chance to meet some of the high profile artists and galleries taking part.

On Saturday 23rd May 2015 the fair is open to the public and free to enter from 11.00am - 17.00pm with the Global Art Award Ceremony at 16.00pm in which the Best Artist Award will be announced.

For more information please visit www.tokyoartfair.com

***** END ****

Press contacts: 
Satoshi Maruhashi (Tokyo based) +81 90 33984293 agent@globalartagency.com
Joelle Dinnage (UK based) +44(0)7825 443925 office@globalartagency.com

Venue: 
Quest Hall - Harajuku. Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 1-13-14, 3F 
TEL: 03-3470-6331

Tickets:
http://www.tokyoartfair.com/tickets/

www.globalartagency.com