“The Art Show” 2023: A Sophisticated, Bustling Must-Attend Fair for Collectors and Art Enthusiasts
The Art Dealers Association of America recently wrapped up their 35th annual fair. Held at the Park Avenue Armory, the show proved to be a multifaceted celebration of artistic diversity with participation of 78 ADAA member exhibitors. The VIP event on November 1st set the stage for a great weekend of art and conversation, with the fair open to the public from Thursday to Sunday. This annual event, with a rich history of promoting artistic excellence, not only showcases a myriad of genres, practices, and international origins but also serves a commendable purpose. In its partnership with the Henry Street Settlement for over three decades, the ADAA has raised over $36 million, and 100% of this year’s fair ticket proceeds benefited the nonprofit.
The diverse array of works on display ranged from paintings to sculptures, showcasing realism, impressionism, and abstract works. The atmosphere exuded energy and sophistication, with a bustling crowd engaged in lively conversations. Unlike some art fairs that can feel stiff and exclusive, 'The Art Show' managed to strike a balance, creating an open and comfortable environment that allowed for both exploration and interaction. The booths were staffed by knowledgeable and approachable individuals eager to share insights about the exhibited pieces.
Among the multitude of impressive booths, a few stood out prominently. The solo exhibition by Rodrigo Facundo at the Sicardi Ayers Bacino booth was particularly captivating. Facundo, a contemporary artist from Colombia, demonstrated exceptional technical mastery through his intricate use of Indian miniature techniques. The paintings, showcasing “paradisal visions of nature and humanity”, explored the flipped relationship between humans and wildlife. Many of his compositions are inspired by the complexities of maps and have layered in caricatures often inspired by old British Folk stories.
Another noteworthy solo show was that of John Alexander at the Berggruen Gallery. His serene replications of nature were inspired by his childhood camping and fishing trips in East Texas. The large scale of the oil paintings added conveyed a calming energy, offering a subtle yet powerful introspection into the artist's psychology and experiences.
Similarly, the solo exhibition by Whitfield Lovell at the DC Moore Gallery presented thought-provoking work where he draws anonymous African American portraits on found objects (maps and wood). Lovell is known for his portraits of African American individuals from between the Emancipation Proclamation and the Civil Rights Movement to reflect on America’s collective past, evoke personal memories, and ancestral connections. Lovell's choice to draw individuals based on vintage photography, without knowing their identities, was purposeful by the artist allowing both the artist and the viewer to imagine their own story behind the portrait.
