All is looking up in the art world as New York is poised for an exciting return from summer. This next month will kick-off of a reboot of fresh gallery exhibitions accompanied by some really amazing in-person art fairs — a welcome break from online iterations. Art Basel in Switzerland is also slotted to take place at the end of the month signaling that the art world has really returned to somewhat regular ways.
In keeping with this influx of fairs, I thought I’d write a bit about the subject, why they are important, and a few of my favorites to check out. If you are new to art but know an art fair it is probably Art Basel Miami, the most celeb-studded and glamorized of the all fairs, but there are several other venues that I highly suggest seasoned and those dipping their toes in art collecting alike consider for a number of reasons I hope to highlight this month.
🌊 Deep Dive: So You Want to Attend an Art Fair
While I will not be in New York for the exciting art-fair-filled fall, here are some reasons you should prioritize some art if you are!
What is an art fair and why should I visit one?
Art fairs, come in many shapes and sizes but primarily act as a high-profile trade show for the art industry. I love them because you can see so many things at once, which can be a huge benefit for those short on time or trying to figure out what they like.
Training your eye — there are so many artworks out there and in the short period of time it takes to wander a fair, you can see more artworks than you ever thought possible. With such visual overload, comes gut-inspired preferences, and the more you lean into those preferences the more you can learn about yourself and your art style.
Choosing a fair to suit your taste and goals — Just want to see art? Want to purchase but on a budget? Interested in investing in bluechip artists? What about design? There is a specific art fair for each of these goals so be sure to beeline to any those that suit your needs. (Unsure where to start — I can help!)
The people — there are so many people to meet and learn from at art fairs, from those manning the booths to artists fresh off panels, everyone at an art fair has a reason for being there (even if it is just to see art), and something to share. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for prices here, that is really what an art fair is for!
While I am hoping the above points make an art fair the next step on your agenda, there are a few downsides to the format… The hectic, overstimulation that is the inherent nature of an art fair can be daunting. The fundamental format of back-to-back jam-packed booths also doesn’t allow for much time for contemplation or reflection. This can be a disservice for works that require a bit more contemplation. However, in my book, the pros greatly outweigh the cons.
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Ready to visit? Here are some of my favorites…
On the newer end of the art fair history, this fair launched in 2020 and presented its first iteration during the pandemic. The upcoming New York edition will be the first in real-life presentation. I love that the fair pairs geographically diverse galleries together in shared spaces to inspire collaboration.
The selection of galleries for this fair is always super cutting-edge, presenting the best of what is happening today, showing the best of the best galleries and artists. The venue is also always super interesting and this year the fair will take place at Cipriani South Street which is a former Maritime Building.
This fair took place last month and despite not being able to make it in person, I loved so many things about it during its first iteration which remains constant to the recent presentation. The fair really focuses on community and living with art as each booth is intimately arranged in a hotel room. I also loved this year’s focus and specificity of geography — it presented galleries with spaces in Los Angeles, exclusively, who also happened to bring mostly California-based artists. The overall presentation and context really highlight the reasons why one loves living with art.
While much more than just a fair, NADA is also a non-profit and community, I’d be remiss not to shout out one of my forever favorite fairs. NADA always has interesting programming and booths in addition to the year-round events that are organized. If you do head to Miami for Art Basel, it should be on your list!
🔥 Trending
A quick shoutout to my day job and on the theme of catering to preferences, at Peggy we just launched a fun collector survey that I highly recommend! It is quick easy and you may just learn something about yourself.
In other creative news, Drake tapped Damien Hirst to create his upcoming album art — a nod to Hirst’s spot paintings but with pregnant women emojis. Mixed feelings over here.
💸 Advisory Picks
If you are in New York, this month both Future Fair or Independent will be up and running — highly recommended setting aside a day to browse and grab a drink to debrief!
While we are on the subject of art viewing, I’d also urge you to stop by Jeffrey Deitch’s exhibition Clay Pop which focuses on contemporary ceramics and opens on Sept. 10th.
👋 Parting Words…
Feel free to bookmark this overview if you have ever considered attending Art Basel in Miami or another fair — hopefully, this guide can provide some extra motivation to get out and see some art!
Until next time…
XX, B