Watermill Center, in 2015. Courtesy of Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan.
There’s not much going on in the New York art world in the summer months, so if you find yourself getting tired of yet another group show filled with artists you’ve never heard of, and the stifling heat of the city gets too hot to handle, why not go check out the scene in the Hamptons?
Unlike the New York art scene, which seems to hum along on standby mode as soon as the temperature surpasses 80 degrees, the Hamptons scene really gets going when the temperature rises.
This tiny enclave of wealth, lobster and champagne hosts three full-fledged art fairs over the summer, but if you’re more into looking at art than adding to your collection, there are also plenty of museums across the Hamptons to keep you occupied. It’s not exactly Frieze or Art Basel, but hey, we’ll take what we can get, unless we can gain an invitation to Larry Gagosian’s famous summer party.
Courtesy of ArtHamptons.
1. ArtHamptons
Taking place in Bridgehampton, the fair primarily presents accessible, uncomplicated secondary market works at price points for works in the mid-market range (between $10,000 and $50,000). Last year saw record attendance for the fair, with over 12,000 attendees.
ArtHamptons runs from June 23–26, 2016, in Bridgehampton, New York.
Courtesy of Market Art + Design.
2. Market Art+Design
Focusing on fine art and design, the fair showcases galleries and dealers from around the world, offering a striking and tightly curated selection of high-end design. It bills itself as the “East End’s premier art fair.”
Market Art+Design runs from July 7–10, 2016, in Bridgehampton, New York.
Courtesy of Art Southampton.
3. Art Southampton
Having established itself as the largest and most high-end of the three Hamptons fair, and home to big name artists and pieces in the upper price range the fair attracts plenty of visitors with money to spend, and the laid-back location makes for a nice afternoon out, even if you’re just there to look at the art.
This year, actress Brooke Shields is co-curating the New York Academy of Art’s animal-focused “Call of the Wild” exhibition, along with Academy president David Kratz.
Art Southampton runs from July 7–11, 2016, in Southampton, New York.
Peter Beard, Ode to Yves Klein,
Peter Beard and daughter, Zara Beard at Montauk, 1993. Courtesy of Peter Beard Studio, © Peter Beard.
4. Guild Hall
During the summer months, the museum will present an exhibition featuring works by the American artist and photographer Peter Beard. The show focuses on Beard’s works from his two homes, in Africa and the East End of Long Island.
The artist’s first solo museum exhibition in 15 years features over 50 collages, drawings, photographs, and diaries from the 1960s to present day.
“Peter Beard: Last World From Paradise” runs from June 18–July 31, 2016 at Guild Hall, East Hampton.
Courtesy of Parrish Art Museum.
5. Parrish Art Museum
Presenting paintings from the 1970s and ’80s by the American artists Ross Bleckner, Eric Fischl, and David Salle, the museum presents 23 large-scale canvases and 17 works on paper exploring the distinct styles, philosophies, and convictions of the three artists who revitalized painting when many thought the medium had passed its prime.
“Unfinished Business: Paintings from the 1970s and 1980s by Ross Bleckner, Eric Fischl, and David Salle” is on view July 31–October 16, 2016 at the Parrish Art Museum, Montauk, New York.
Larry Rivers, Legs. Courtesy of the Larry Rivers Foundation.
6. LongHouse Reserve
It’s the 25th anniversary of Jack Lenor Larsen‘s sculpture garden in East Hampton, which features a rotating cast of outdoor works. This year’s exhibition, “Rites of Spring,” includes pieces by George Rickey, Larry Rivers, and Enrique Martinez Celaya.
“Rites of Spring” is on view for the season at LongHouse Reserve, 133 Hands Creek Road, East Hampton, New York.
Courtesy of Watermill Center.
7. The Watermill Center
Mexican artist G.T. Pellizzi will be showing “CONSTELLATION IN RED YELLOW AND BLUE,” a monumental installation of light sculptures at the Watermill Center inspired by symbols from mythology and astronomy.
“G.T. Pellizzi: CONSTELLATION IN RED YELLOW AND BLUE” runs from June 11–August 28, 2016 at the Watermill Center, Water Mill, New York.
Reisha Perlmutter, Receive. Courtesy of the Southampton Art Center.
8. Southampton Arts Center
Presented by the New York Academy of Art, the Southampton Arts Center hosts “Water | Bodies,” co-curated by the artist Eric Fischl and Academy president David Kratz. Exploring the theme of water, the show presents paintings, photographs, and sculptures by both emerging and established artists with connections to the East End and the New York Academy of Art. The exhibition includes over 30 artists, from recent MFA graduates to established stars like Bleckner, Patrick Demarchelier, Enoc Perez, and Salle.
“WATER | BODIES” runs from June 24–July 31, 2016 at the Southampton Arts Center.