New York City’s most exciting arts event of the season is just around the corner. Frieze New York, which runs May 5 through 8, plays host to some of the most cutting edge galleries from around the globe, along with a program of debates, panel discussions, and keynote lectures. It all takes place on Randall’s Island, overlooking the East River, in a massive outdoor tent space built by acclaimedSO-IL architects.
Frieze isn’t, however, geared toward art world neophytes. A ton of diverse art has flooded the market, and there’s a lot of confusion about price. To properly navigate Frieze, a private guide, PhD in art history, and offshore bank account might come in handy. For casual collectors, artists, and voyeurs, the satellite fairs surrounding Frieze provide more accessible alternatives.
“Many times, some of the best, most cutting edge work I have seen has been at satellite fairs such as NADA New York,” said Tam Gryn, founder ofCulturadora, a curatorial platform and tour company aimed at activating young art supporters. “I don’t go to fairs to see the same 10 artists that are being showcased every year, or that we all know sell well. I go to fairs in order to see something I have never seen before, and to visualize new trends in the art world.”
Here are the top five must-see satellite fairs to visit during Frieze Week in New York:
NADA NEW YORK 2016
May 5-8 | newartdealers.org
The fifth of edition of NADA New York, the fair of the New Art Dealers Alliance, will host more than 100 exhibitors on Pier 36 at 299 South Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The fair has gained a reputation for showcasing high-quality work in a manageable, relaxed context. Entrance to this fair is free, and purchasing art on the spot does not require access to a millionaire’s bank account. If simply taking art home in a shopping bag and living with it is your aim, NADA is the fair to visit.
ART NEW YORK
May 3-8 | artnyfair.com
A few feet away at Pier 94, Art New York will return for its second year with never-before-exhibited works and the debut of a sister fair, CONTEXT New York. The two events combined will showcase artwork from 150 galleries representing nearly 1,200 artists. Highlights include Galerie von Vertes’ exhibition, which will showcase a 1947 Picasso piece titled “Oiseau en Cage.” David Benrimon Fine Art will exhibit “Superman” by Andy Warhol and “Thinking Nude” by Roy Lichtenstein. To mix it up, Flowers Gallery will host John Keane’s book signing for “The Art of John Keane.”
SPRING MASTERS
May 6-9 | springmastersny.com
One of the most carefully curated (and well financed) of Frieze Week’s satellite fairs, the 2016 edition of Spring Masters will host 60 leading dealers of fine art, design, furniture, and jewelry at the historic Park Avenue Armory. The event is directed by power players Michael Plummer and Jeff Rabin, and even the booth layout is a commissioned art form. Designed by Rafael Viñoly, its hexagonal shape is meant to “foster a dialogue” between periods, styles, and mediums. Highlights will include an ancient mummy mask presented by Cahn International, masterworks by Matisse and Picasso displayed by Hammer Galleries, and Andy Warhol’s “The Scream (After Munch),” exhibited by Waterhouse & Dodd.
COLLECTIVE DESIGN FAIR
May 4-8 | collectivedesignfair.com
“When I decided to launch Collective Design, I went to trusted friends and colleagues for input on what they would want from a fair for collectible design,” architect and interior designer Steven Learner told Art+Auction. Now returning for its fourth edition at Skylight Clarkson Square, the fair has developed into a mature, dynamic platform for designers to share their most innovative ideas. For example, this year’s fair will debut Collective Concept, a capsule presentation where contemporary peers working in lighting, furnishings, ceramics, or textiles are encouraged to explore new directions, while still expressing their core design principles.
1:54
May 6-8 |1-54.com
After a successful inaugural edition last year, the 1:54 African art fair will return to Pioneer Works’ industrial warehouse space in Red Hook, Brooklyn. A reference to the 54 countries on the African continent, 1:54 aims to showcase the diversity of contemporary African art on an international stage. This year, 17 exhibitors will present more than 60 African artists, including Paul Onditi, Steve Bandoma, and JP Mika.
To read the original Art Info article by Jennifer Parker, please click here.