On July 22, artnet News reported on the launch of a new satellite fair, called Satellite, from Brian Whiteley, the co-founder of the now-defunct SELECT art fair.
Not to be outdone by his former business partner, Matthew Eck is also launching a new Miami fair, titled X Contemporary, which will take place from December 1–6 in a custom-built tent pavilion in midtown.
Matthew Eck is launching a new Miami fair called X Contemporary.
Image: Courtesy of X Contemporary.
Of the chosen location, Eck simply told artnet News: “The midtown area has a high concentration of fairgoers and enough space to accommodate for the size [of] event I wish to hold.”
He is working with Imagination in Space, a company that has launched pop-up exhibitions and “brand activations” on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. He is also developing a board of galleries and independent art consultants who will help steer the curatorial direction of the fair. About 45 to 50 exhibitors are expected to participate.
Imagination in Space presented James Miille’s solo show in June.
James Miille, Extra Butter.
Photo: Courtesy of Imagination in Space.
According to the planned vision for the inaugural fair, “The symbol X represents a destination point and an area of intersection,” Eck says. “[It’s] an evocative title for a new breed of art fair that will emphasize a crossover between the visual and performing arts and invite unique music, fashion, and brand collaborations.”
Though SELECT fair was generally well-received, it was not without its share of hiccups. Some visitors at this year’s New York edition complained of long lines on the VIP preview in Chelsea and of general disorganization. Creative differences between Whiteley and Eck, some of which centered on the performances, were reportedly the cause of the split.
In the release for X Contemporary, Eck seemed to allude to this issue when describing “a dedicated exhibition space as well as a separate area to facilitate the performance and music aspects of X contemporary, without interfering with fairgoers’ viewing experience.”
For related coverage, see:
Miami Beach Gets New Satellite Fair Called Satellite
Try Doing These Four Really Cool Things at Select Fair
So-Called VIPs Wait In Massive Line Outside Select Fair Preview