Weeks of Art Fairs – Fair Results


When the thunder of Wall Street met Main Street in mid 08, the aloof in the art world felt art would be immune. Rational players in the art world have known otherwise and the loss of “hedge fund” money/speculation in art is repricing certain artists with limited skill and maintaining quality artists, and their galleries. From late February to late March, the art world hits New York with a variety of fairs and 1 underwhelming expo.

The Armory Show is perhaps the most significant to the overall art world’s “pulse”. Venerable dealers from the contemporary to the masters put on their best face and have adjusted to the changing economic reality. Some of these dealers have a solid showing of Stellas, Wesselmans, Beardens and Dines up for consideration along with names obscure to emerging collectors. Attendance has been “strong” through Saturday afternoon, per the Armory press department. Of course, “strong” in lookers vs. “strong” in buyers is a distinct difference for collectors, gallerists and artists alike. Our walk from the contemporary pier up the “scaffold” stairs to the “main Armory galleries” exposed that “sticker shock” is only relevant to the contemporary mess left behind. Yet one day, perhaps not today, some from the lower level will ascend to become main, sought after artists.

Author: Mason Hayutin

Founder, Editor and contributing writer, Mr. Mason Hayutin is recognized for his depth of experience and knowledge in technology, energy economics, real estate and the arts (fine and visual). Having worked with recognized world-class artists and their estates since 1997, Mason brings a wealth of practical experiences from installations, marketing, and private sales. An active business advocate, he successfully released the fine art documentary film LUBIE LOVE in 2009 ahead of the global auto crisis - in addition to maintaining his tenure at GALLERY M INC. Hayutin holds a degree in Economics from Washington University in St. Louis. He is the founder of MASONmodern, a boutique real estate firm based in Denver, CO. You can read his insight here at The Art Quarterly as well as in regional and national publications.

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