Sure, the world may be in crisis with financial markets in a freefall and the coronavirus set to become a full-blown pandemic.
But at the epicenter of the contemporary art world in New York City, the Armory week fairs are about to be in full swing. Here is a handy go-to guide to help you manage everything that’s going on around town.
ADAA The Art Show, February 27–March 1
Michael Rosenfeld Gallery’s solo presentation of William H. Johnson’s work at the ADAA’s Art Show. Courtesy of Michael Rosenfeld Gallery.
What: The Art Dealers Association of America’s annual Art Show, where galleries present jewel-box-like presentations, is already on view through March 1. And if you’re curious about what to see at the fair, Artnet News has a rundown of the best works on view at this year’s elegant event.
Where: Park Avenue Armory, Park Avenue at 67th Street
When: Friday, 12 p.m.–8 p.m.; Saturday, 12 p.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m.–5 p.m.
The Armory Show, March 5–8
Ai Weiwei works at Deitch Projects’s Armory Show booth. Photo: Teddy Wolff.
What: The anchor show for the week was dogged by drama last year, and coronavirus fears are now swirling around this edition. But the show, it seems, will go on. Specially-curated sections have been organized by heavyweight curators Anne Ellegood and Jamillah James, and on Saturday, Armory Live events will feature our very own Andrew Goldstein (in conversation with Sander Lak of Sies Marjan) and Julia Halperin, who will be moderating a panel conversation about inequality within the art world.
Where: 711 12th Avenue at Piers 90, 92, 94
When: Thursday and Friday, 12 p.m.–8 p.m.; Saturday, 12 p.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m.–6 p.m.
Art on Paper, March 5–8
Installation view of Dave Eggers’s work on paper, courtesy of Art on Paper.
What: This showcase of all things pulpy is a must-see for fans of prints, drawings, and book arts. With around 100 galleries exhibiting, most of the works on view invite closer inspection, but keep your eyes peeled for large-scale installations as well.
Where: Pier 36, at 299 South Street
When: Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m.–6 p.m.
Clio, March 5–8
Visitors at the Clio Art Fair. Courtesy of Clio.
What: A self-proclaimed “anti-art fair,” Clio relies largely on a straight artist-to-collector business model, with artists who are not represented by galleries exhibiting on their own.
Where: 550 West 29th Street
When: Friday, 12 p.m.–8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.–6 p.m.
Independent New York, March 6–8
Installation view at the fair. Courtesy of Independent Art Fair NYC.
What: With veteran Sotheby’s marketing director Ashley Harris now at the helm of Independent, the fair is looking forward to its latest edition in New York after cutting its losses with an under-performing Brussels edition. Expect the effortless cool of Tribeca to underscore the sensibility of this event.
Where: Spring Studios, 50 Varick Street
When: Friday and Saturday 12 p.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m.–6 p.m.
NADA New York Gallery Open 2020, March 5–8
Installation view of Damien Davis’s work at Mrs. Gallery. Courtesy of Mrs.
What: More than 60 galleries fling open their doors to welcome those hoping to bone up on emerging and established artists without braving the crowds at the fairs. There are also four days worth of talks, tours, and special events in store.
Where: Various galleries, see website for details
When: Various tours and artist talks, see website for details. Thursday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday, 2 p.m.–7 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
SCOPE, March 5–8
Julian Cardinal, Pink and Green (not dated). Courtesy of Kiley Court Gallery.
What: The 20th anniversary of this international fair opens during Armory week and features 60 exhibitors at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea. Highlights include Vermont-based painter Julian Cardinal’s figurative works presented at Galerie L’Atelier 55.
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street
When: Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
SPRING/BREAK, March 3–9
Otherworldly landscapes by Jeremy Olson in a presentation curated by Vanessa Albury.
What: While the Armory Show and the Art Show cater to uptown clientele, and the Independent and NADA appeal to younger collectors looking for undiscovered talent, SPRING/BREAK is the scrappy, Gen-Z underdog looking to carve out new territory. For its ninth edition, the itinerant fair is moving (yet again) to the former headquarters of Ralph Lauren on Madison Avenue—an apt venue for this year’s theme, which focuses on excess.
Where: 625 Madison Avenue, between 58th and 59th streets
When: Wednesday–Monday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
VOLTA, March 4–8
Visitors to VOLTA, courtesy of VOLTA.
What: After last year’s fiasco resulting in the cancellation of VOLTA, organizers are thrilled to announce that the fair is back in action with Kamiar Maleki as its director. With 58 exhibitors from five continents, this edition promises to bring some international flair to New York
Where: Metropolitan West, 639 West 46th Street at 12th Avenue
When: Thursday–Saturday, 12 p.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m.–5 p.m.