Armory Art Fair @ The Javits Center, NYC 2023
A Critical Review
So, I skipped this fair last year because I was all caught up running my “Love Junk” booth at Spring Break Art Fair. I didn’t feel like I was missing much because in the past I’ve often felt like a lot of the work was predictable and rehearsed and lacked as much bright inventiveness as I would have preferred. Well, this year, time was all mine and the Armory gifted me a VIP pass with a plus one, so last night, my sexy domestic partner and I strapped on our art goggles and went out to observe and critique the ups and downs of what’s shaking the market.
Without exception all art fairs have the predictable amount of pompous douchebaggery to contend with, but I was pleasantly surprised to find this in much smaller measure at this iteration of the Armory than any version I have been to in the past. It’s hard to overemphasize how important that is because it’s the sometimes-pretentious attitude of gallerists, advisors, and consultants, that insulate our tiny bubble world from growth and change and does nothing to dissuade disinterest and repugnance from the rest of the real world who just see a bunch of artsy snobs thumbing their noses from gilded cages. That sort of behavior seemed to be very tempered this year and gallerists and artists alike seemed genuinely excited to kick off the run. It's a good run so far with many great booths to contend for best in show hosting some of the best and some of the most celebrated artists in the world. Some of my favorites were from far off places like Tehran and Mexico City. I’m headed back tomorrow to have a second look and review a few of them in deeper detail but for now I’ll leave you with four booths that you should go see if you have the time to take in the fun. Do buy yourself a $25 glass of champagne and do kick yourself if you miss this show.
On view through Sunday 11am through 7pm.
(Booth P38) Renata Petersen, at Pequod Co. – Mexico City
(Booth P30) Hannah Murray, at Marinaro Gallery – Manhattan
(Booth 422) Farrokh Mahdavi, at Dastan Gallery - Tehran
(Booth N6) Stephen Morrison, at Invisible Dog Artspace – Brooklyn