By Steven Smith ART REVIEW
Well, not to me! I’ve always been far more impressed by quality, imagination and, of course, the clever use of what’s behind it. Although, I must confess, anything described as micro might not necessarily float my boat!
Goodness, where is your mind going? Sorry, I seem to have taken us completely out of context!
I’m talking about ART, darling, and a rather divine exhibition currently taking place at one of my favourite creative haunts, the Firepit Gallery in Greenwich.
Entitled Does Size Matter?, this fabulous exhibition runs from 6 November 2026 until 30 January 2027, and proves that wonderful things really do come in small packages.
But before I tell you why you absolutely must go, I need to mention one particular piece that caught my eye.
Artist Marcus Jake has created the most gorgeous gold artwork, and I promise I’m not saying this simply because he’s a friend. In fact, friendship aside, I think it’s an absolute showstopper.
Rather modestly positioned, almost tucked out of the way, it quietly steals the show. At just £400, it’s an absolute steal. Not only is it a fabulous conversation piece, but it would transform practically any room.
Now, should anyone fancy buying it for me, I would graciously accept. Favours can, of course, be negotiated! Only joking. Well, perhaps!
Seriously, though, someone snap it up before I start raiding my savings. It would make an extraordinary Christmas present.
Curated by Marcus Jake, Does Size Matter? brings together more than 150 original artworks, with one rather appealing rule: nothing measures more than 50cm, and everything costs £500 or less.
We’re talking paintings, photography, drawings, glass, printmaking, collage, miniature dioramas and sculpture. It’s a wonderfully eclectic collection, bursting with originality, personality and artistic flair.
What I particularly love is the exhibition’s philosophy. Art shouldn’t be reserved for wealthy collectors with enormous houses and even bigger bank balances. Everyone deserves the opportunity to own something original and beautiful.
The works are displayed salon-style, encouraging visitors to wander, explore and discover unexpected treasures. Better still, when something sells, another piece replaces it, meaning the exhibition continually evolves.
And the Firepit itself? Well, what a gem!
With Christmas fast approaching, I cannot recommend it highly enough for present shopping. Forget another predictable candle or pair of socks. There are fabulous artist-made gifts and original little treasures that won’t break the bank.
There’s also wonderful coffee, a bar, and that wonderfully welcoming atmosphere which makes you want to stay far longer than intended.
The Firepit is so much more than a gallery. It’s a creative community with a genuine heart, supporting artists while making art accessible to everyone.
So, does size matter?
Absolutely not, darling. It’s what you do with it that counts!
Does Size Matter?
6 November 2026 – 30 January 2027
Firepit Gallery, 10 Cutter Lane, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0XX.
Opening hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11am–5pm; Thursdays until 7pm.
Admission: Free.
Website: https://firepit.art
Artists involved .
Anastasya Martynova
Andrew Stevens
Anuradha Shee
Art Lewy
Ayiana Rowe
AyshaArts
Azaria Ledeatte-Williams
Constantinos Zeinalipour-Yazdi
Curtis Donovan
Diana Dunca
Dil Vahidova-Mardell
Ernesto Romano
Ese
Freeman
Geoff Gunby
HAF The Artist
Harsh Hingu
Hayley Bowen
Isabella Chiara Vicco
Jane Oldfield
Jon Schwochert
Judy Clarkson
Julie Fitzpatrick
Kamila CK
Kirti Gaba
Lihui Liang
Luigi Coppola & Mark Shuttleworth
Marcus Jake
Marina Borodulya
Marina Prilepina
Maya May Jex
Milena Makani
Minoo Sadi
Nadine Talalla
Nelly K
Once Upon A Stack
Phil Davis
Pooyan Dalir
Prachi Gawas
Ritisha Singh
Ruby Khan’s Art
Sara Annunziata
Sara Paganetto
Sergio Carando
Sophie Batey
Temitope Ogunseitan
Valentina Baranova
Wahida Jabarzai
Yugeart
Zalika
