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.
