The art world carousel stopped in New York this week, where crowds gathered at the city’s Pier 92 and 94 for the Armory Show. Undeterred by the political uncertainty, dealers reported that collectors were in a buying mood, as they browsed the booths, on search for their latest acquisition.
After a revamping the fair’s format, director Benjamin Genocchio was praised for revitalizing its profile, and freshening up its image with lively installations curated by Eric Shiner. Yayoi Kusama’s playful site-specific intervention was the must-have selfie of the event as visitors eagerly snapped away on their mobile phones.
Nearby, New York dealer Jeffrey Deitch’s booth was one of the highlights, with an inviting curtained entrance and salon-style presentation. A levitating concrete block by art collective Studio Drift at Pace’s booth was another eye-catching highlight. New York magazine art critic Jerry Saltz was spotted inspecting a painting by Nina Chanel Abney, whilst former tennis ace John McEnroe was seen searching for the newest addition to his collection. Elsewhere, director John Waters—a well-known collector—was also doing some art shopping.
Meanwhile, away from the hustle and bustle, casual visitors sipped champagne at one of the fair’s many bars, while the well-heeled VIPs sought refuge from the commotion in the fair’s exclusive lounge.
By the end of the evening, the emboldened made the short walk to VOLTA, taking advantage of the satellite fair’s extended opening hours, whilst the weary headed home, some giddy with excitement about their new purchases.