One of the most rewarding parts of New Futures is seeing what happens after the fair.
Created to champion emerging artists at pivotal moments in their careers, the program provides a platform for fresh voices and exciting new talent. While every artist’s path looks different, one thing remains the same: New Futures is just the beginning.
From major gallery exhibitions and institutional recognition to postgraduate study and public commissions, we took a look at a few New Futures artists whose careers have continued to flourish since exhibiting with us.
Dabin Ahn: New Futures Chicago, Class of 2022
Since being selected for New Futures Chicago in 2022, Dabin Ahn has continued to establish himself as one of the city’s most exciting emerging artists.
Known for work that thoughtfully explores memory, transformation and the passage of time, Dabin’s practice has expanded in recent years beyond painting into sculptural, object-based works that investigate themes of grief, fragility and renewal.
His growing career has been recognised with a series of significant milestones. In 2025, he was named one of Newcity magazine’s Breakout Artists, recognising the next generation of image-makers shaping Chicago’s contemporary art scene. More recently, Chicago gallery DOCUMENT presented Nocturne, his first solo exhibition with the gallery, further cementing his place within the city’s vibrant artistic community.
His work has also reached an large audience through exhibitions with François Ghebaly in Los Angeles and participation in Frieze Los Angeles with DOCUMENT, an exciting progression from his New Futures debut just a few years ago.
From New Futures Chicago to solo exhibitions, gallery representation and growing national recognition, Dabin’s journey reflects the momentum that can follow an important early career opportunity.
Natasha Muluswela: New Futures London, March 2023 Winner
Natasha Muluswela creates highly detailed graphite portraits that explore themes of identity, body positivity and representation. Through her work, she celebrates the unique beauty of her subjects while challenging conventional standards and opening conversations around race, belonging and social justice.
Since receiving the New Futures award in 2023, Natasha’s career has continued to gain remarkable momentum.
Since New Futures, Natasha’s work has continued to reach new audiences. In 2023, she was one of 16 artists featured in Portrait of a Top Boy at Somerset House, a Netflix-presented exhibition curated by Ronan McKenzie. More recently, her public sculpture created for The World Reimagined became part of the permanent art trail collection at the University of Reading, marking another significant milestone in her growing career.
Most recently, Natasha graduated from the Royal College of Art with an MA in Painting. Her current practice continues to explore themes of body positivity, migration, racism and identity through intricately detailed figurative works that challenge viewers’ perceptions of race, beauty and belonging.
Her journey since New Futures demonstrates how an artist’s practice can continue to evolve while remaining true to the values and stories that first made it so compelling.
Eleanor Cox: New Futures London, 2023 Winner
Working across painting, sound, film and writing, Eleanor Cox explores ideas of uncertainty and the unknown. Her practice is led by a research into what it means to not understand or be left without certainty, drawing on painting, film and sound to explore these ideas.
Inspired by unrecognisable soundscapes, Eleanor’s oil paintings contemplate what can be seen in darkness and what lies within, or outside of, understanding. Windows empty of light, unsettled objects and empty rooms recur throughout her work, inviting viewers to consider the possibilities found within the unknown.
Since winning New Futures in 2023, Eleanor has been recognised as one of Saatchi Art’s Rising Stars and joined the Turps Studio Programme for 2024/25. These opportunities have supported the continued development of her multidisciplinary practice.
Alongside participating in Spring Art Fair and Studio Morey Art Fair, Eleanor was recognised as a Saatchi Art Rising Star and received an Honourable Mention in the Cass Art Prize. She also joined the Turps Studio Programme for 2024/25, continuing to build on the momentum of her practice.
Her career is a wonderful example of how sustained curiosity, thoughtful research and a commitment to experimentation can continue to shape an artist’s practice long after New Futures.
Looking Ahead
Every artist’s journey is different.
Some go on to major gallery exhibitions. Others pursue further study, create public artworks or receive industry recognition. What unites them is an ongoing commitment to their practice and a willingness to keep evolving.
Seeing artists like Dabin Ahn, Natasha Muluswela and Eleanor Cox continue to grow is exactly why New Futures exists: to champion emerging artists at important moments in their careers and celebrate everything that follows.
We can’t wait to see where their journeys lead next, and to discover the next generation of artists who will follow in their footsteps.