The Top 11 Booths at The Armory Show 2023
The Top 11 Booths at The Armory Show 2023
s it approaches its 30th anniversary, The Armory Show welcomed VIP guests on Thursday to explore the offerings of over 225 galleries at the sprawling Javits Center in New York. Marking its third year at Javits, the fair has made this expansive space, designed by the architecture firm Frederick Fisher and Partners, its home. This year, however, brought a distinctive twist with the recent announcement of Frieze's acquisition of The Armory Show.
“The current edition is still business as usual,” reassured Nicole Berry, executive director of The Armory Show, in conversation with Artsy. Yet, this highly anticipated event, alongside the concurrent and relatively young Frieze Seoul, heralds the commencement of a bustling fall art season.
In the vibrant art scene of New York, The Armory Show stands as a central anchor amidst a flurry of activities over the next few weeks. These include the inauguration of the Perelman Performing Arts Center in downtown Manhattan, the debut of PHOTOFAIRS New York, an extension of the Shanghai-born lens-based art fair, and the return of concurrent events like Independent 20th Century, Affordable Art Fair, and Art on Paper. Throughout this vibrant period, The Armory Show remains a grand and contained platform for contemporary art, offering a diverse array of works, from renowned blue-chip pieces to compelling emerging art, catering to collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
The Armory Show proudly upholds its legacy as New York’s own art fair, known for nurturing the careers of numerous local artists and galleries. However, its global perspective on market trends is a distinguishing feature, attracting galleries from 35 different countries this year. Berry remarked, “Our identity remains unique because we encompass contemporary art on an international level—our roots are regional but our scale is global. Our New York roots give us a strong cultural identity.” The fair’s influence extends to Queens, with its ongoing collaboration with the USTA during the US Open, now in its second year.
The expansive Javits Center not only provides ample space for the fair but also facilitates meaningful connections with local institutions, enabling them to participate in the fair’s programming. This year, the five-decade-old nonprofit Artists Space joins as the second recipient of the Armory Spotlight program. At their complimentary booth, this influential experimental art institution hosts live portrait-making sessions by painter Drake Carr, titled “Housecalls.” Blending performance and portrait-making inspired by fashion illustration, these creative interactions between the artist and subjects captivated fairgoers on opening day.
Projects like these thrive thanks to the fair’s extensive footprint, which also allows for the annual Platform Projects—a collection of 12 large-scale artworks curated this year by Eva Respini, deputy director of the Vancouver Art Gallery and director of curatorial programs. Standout works from this year’s presentation, themed “Rewriting Histories,” include a hand-formed charcoal “stacked landscape” by Brooklyn-based mixed-media artist Teresita Fernández, presented by Lehmann Maupin; and Vaughn Spann’s “Monument” (2023), presented by David Castillo Gallery—an immersive environment enveloping viewers in the vibrant colors and textures of the artist’s renowned “Marked Man” series.
Here, we present the 11 standout booths from The Armory Show 2023.
Pilar Corrias Gallery
Galleries Section, Booth 410
With works by Gisela McDaniel
As an Indigenous CHamoru artist, McDaniel draws inspiration from her recent relocation to New York City. Her poignant portraits predominantly feature BIPOC women and nonbinary individuals, capturing the essence of urban life where feelings of familiarity, community, and solitude intermingle amid the bustling chaos. Notably, McDaniel places these strangers against the backdrop of Guam’s sacred jungles, creating a juxtaposition that adds depth and resonance to her work. Furthermore, each portrait is accompanied by voice recordings of the subjects, providing an immersive and multi-sensory experience for viewers.
Pilar Corrias Gallery’s presentation at The Armory Show 2023 offers a thought-provoking exploration of identity, connection, and the urban experience through McDaniel’s captivating figurative paintings and their unique context.
Sean Kelly Gallery
Galleries Section, Booth 114
With works by Anthony Akinbola, Dawoud Bey, James Casebere, Julian Charrière, Jose Dávila, Awol Erizku, Laurent Grasso, Candida Höfer, Callum Innes, Idris Khan, Hugo McCloud, Landon Metz, Mariko Mori, Sam Moyer, Shahzia Sikander, Janaina Tschäpe, and Kehinde Wiley
Sean Kelly Gallery’s booth presents a group exhibition featuring some of the gallery’s well-established artists, including Awol Erizku and Shahzia Sikander. Their works offer a subtle nod to the artistry displayed beyond the fair’s confines.
Awol Erizku, in particular, marks a significant moment with his first exhibition titled “Delirium of Agony” at the Chelsea gallery. This showcase, coinciding with the fair week, marks an expansion of Erizku’s photographic repertoire into the realms of painting, sculpture, and works on paper.
Shahzia Sikander contributes to the art scene in a distinct manner with her video work “Reckoning” (2020), which will grace approximately 90 Times Square billboards. Her imagery draws inspiration from traditional Indo-Persian and Turkish miniature paintings, depicting intense battle scenes. This project is part of Times Square Arts’s ongoing Midnight Moment, where an artist’s creation takes center stage across Times Square screens for three minutes every night before midnight.
As Asmaa Al-Shabibi, a director at the gallery, pointed out, “Much of Hamra’s work resonates across Asia, and everyone can relate to the grandeur of the K2 mountains. Korea also boasts a rich traditioSean Kelly Gallery’s presence at The Armory Show 2023 offers a glimpse into the diverse and dynamic world of contemporary art, showcasing their artists’ ability to transcend mediums and engage with art on a grand scale, both within and outside the fair’s boundaries.n of craftsmanship, often involving wood inlay, sparking intriguing conversations and connections.”
Southern Guild
Galleries Section, Booth 345
With works by Zizipho Poswa, Kamyar Bineshtarigh, Manyaku Mashilo, and Oluseye
Cape Town’s Southern Guild makes a significant East Coast debut, hot on the heels of the exciting announcement of its forthcoming expansion to Los Angeles. Their presence at the fair is nothing short of dazzling, with a curated booth featuring the works of four remarkable artists: sculptor Zizipho Poswa, painters Kamyar Bineshtarigh and Manyaku Mashilo, and conceptual artist Oluseye.
One of the standout pieces from this showcase is Zizipho Poswa’s abstracted bronze sculpture titled “Mam’uNoBongile” (2023). This artwork pays homage to a local woman from the artist’s hometown in the Eastern Cape, depicting her gracefully carrying a bundle of bananas atop her head—a familiar sight representing the significant role women play in the everyday economy by transporting various goods in this manner. Placing this sculpture at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center during a globally watched tournament serves to amplify the artwork’s powerful message, shedding light on the often under-appreciated female labor and the inherent elegance found within it.
Kasmin
Galleries Section, Booth 202
With works by Diana Al-Hadid, Alma Allen, Theodora Allen, Tina Barney, William N. Copley, Cynthia Daignault, Liam Everett, Barry Flanagan, Jane Freilicher, vanessa german, Daniel Gordon, Alexander Harrison, Elliott Hundley, Claude Lalanne, Matvey Levenstein, Lyn Liu, Robert Motherwell, James Nares, Roxy Paine, Elliott Puckette, Alexis Ralaivao, George Rickey, Jan-Ole Schiemann, Bosco Sodi, Bernar Venet, and Tom Wesselman
Kasmin, located in Chelsea, strategically unveiled its latest addition, the talented Chinese artist Lyn Liu, in conjunction with its presence at The Armory Show. At the heart of the gallery’s booth lies Lyn Liu’s captivating oil-on-linen painting titled “Herd Mentality-Flock” (2023), featuring a mesmerizing depiction of a flock of sheep.
The gallery’s presentation encompasses a diverse selection of works from more than 20 of its artists, including Elliot Hundley and Bosco Sodi, both of whom are currently hosting solo exhibitions at the gallery, newly opened this week. Notable among the displayed pieces is a tender and expansive painting by emerging artist Alexis Ralaivao, portraying a figure carefully fastening a bow on a charcoal-hued jacket—a reflection of Ralaivao’s inaugural solo exhibition at Kasmin earlier this summer. Additionally, a miniature yet breathtaking landscape painting by Matvey Levenstein captures a luminous vista of Long Island’s North Fork, where the artist and his wife, fellow painter Lisa Yuskavage, reside, adding a touch of poetic charm to the presentation.
Nara Roesler
Galleries Section, Booth 201
With works by Elian Almeida, Cristina Canale, Carlito Carvalhosa, Jonathas de Andrade, Bruno Dunley, André Griffo, Isaac Julien, Lucia Koch, Fabio Miguez, Vik Muniz, Tomie Ohtake, Abraham Palatnik, Daniel Senise, Amelia Toledo, JR, and José Patrício
Brazil’s Nara Roesler Gallery presents an ambitious booth that harmonizes with its ongoing solo exhibitions. Within this multifaceted booth, which showcases a mini group exhibition featuring prominent gallery artists like Cristina Canale, Carlito Carvalhosa, and Jonathas de Andrade, special attention is drawn to José Patrício. This Brazilian artist is currently celebrating his inaugural U.S. exhibition at Nara Roesler’s Chelsea space.
The gallery’s booth at the fair not only highlights the remarkable exhibition, which comprises 15 works crafted by Patrício between 2005 and the present, but it also introduces fairgoers to his artistry. Among the captivating pieces on display is a mesmerizing blue-hued geometric painting crafted from plastic puzzle pieces, adding an element of hallucinatory allure to the artist’s U.S. debut. Nara Roesler’s presence at The Armory Show showcases a seamless blend of its artists’ diverse talents, spanning from gallery staples to exciting new discoveries.
Jack Barrett
Presents Section, Booth P5
With works by Timothy Lai
Tribeca’s Jack Barrett gallery spotlights the evocative works of Rhode Island-based painter Timothy Lai in its dedicated booth. Lai is renowned for his emotionally charged paintings that skillfully navigate the depths of the human self, employing a nuanced palette of earthy tones, masterful use of light, and hints of abstraction.
The exhibited paintings encompass a range of sizes and narratives, masterfully crafted by Lai to maintain an air of enigmatic allure. Within these compositions, contemplative figures and their canine companions occupy allusive interiors, creating a sense of isolation yet intricate connection. These subjects, with their distant gazes, appear to withdraw from the viewer, creating an intriguing tension within the artworks. However, beneath this veneer of detachment, Lai’s warm and compassionate brushstrokes radiate deep empathy for his subjects.
A prominent piece within the exhibition is “Looking Out” (2023), a large-scale painting that portrays a nude couple separated by a delicate curtain and fueled by a shared curiosity for the world beyond. The woman leans her head against the window, her gaze veiled by the diaphanous barrier, while the man sprawls on the carpeted floor, observing her fascination with the world on the other side.
Jack Barrett’s booth at The Armory Show 2023 invites viewers to immerse themselves in Timothy Lai’s emotionally charged and intricately layered exploration of the human experience, where light, color, and introspection meld into captivating artworks.
GRIMM
Galleries Section, Booth 111
With works by Tjebbe Beekman, Gabriella Boyd, Dirk Braeckman, Anthony Cudahy, Matthias Franz, Tommy Harrison, Volker Hüller, Arturo Kameya, Michael Raedecker, Matthias Weischer, and Letha Wilson
GRIMM, the Amsterdam-born gallery now located in Tribeca, presents a compelling ensemble of paintings by a diverse group of artists hailing from Europe and the Americas. These artworks delve deep into the intricate psychological layers of the human self, offering a captivating exploration of the inner psyche.
One remarkable piece featured in the exhibition is Arturo Kameya’s “Batman” (2023), an acrylic and clay powder portrayal of a headless male figure. This artwork exudes an eerie quality, not only due to the absence of the figure’s head but also through its placement within a peculiar and unsettling train compartment.
Another notable work is Anthony Cudahy’s life-sized depiction titled “Sebastian, before or after” (2023), portraying a young man from behind. Cudahy’s artistry envelops the viewer in a sense of tranquil mystery, achieved through an inviting color palette and the subject’s gentle yet self-assured posture. This captivating piece, with an asking price of $55,000, found a new home in an American institution, underlining its significance and impact.
GRIMM’s presence at The Armory Show 2023 invites art enthusiasts to embark on a thought-provoking journey into the intricacies of the human psyche through the lens of these remarkable artists.
Charles Moffett
Presents Section, Booth P10
With works by José De Jesús Rodriguez
Charles Moffett, the Tribeca-based gallery, presents an exclusive solo booth dedicated to the artistry of José De Jesús Rodríguez. This Brooklyn-based artist ventures into the realm of fresco painting, infusing it with a contemporary perspective. Rodríguez skillfully merges the traditional fresco technique with modern elements such as oil and airbrush, resulting in a series of mesmerizing dreamscapes. These compositions draw inspiration from the artist’s personal memories and a collection of found images sourced from print media and the digital realm.
Within Rodríguez’s five distinctive works, viewers are transported into a world that exists at the intersection of fluid recollections and the tangible nature of fresco. The artworks evoke a profound sense of both nostalgia and enigmatic delight, inviting contemplation and exploration.
Notably, two of Rodríguez’s pieces, “After Anne Carson” and “Memorial Park” (both 2023), found new homes on the opening day of the fair, each commanding impressive prices of $18,000 and $15,000, respectively. Charles Moffett’s solo booth at The Armory Show 2023 provides an immersive experience into the captivating realm of contemporary fresco painting, where memory, imagination, and technique converge to create visually striking and emotionally resonant artworks.
Jessica Silverman
Galleries Section, Booth 213
With works by Sadie Barnette, Julie Buffalohead, Judy Chicago, Theresa Chromati, David Huffman, Hayal Pozanti, Clare Rojas, Rose B. Simpson, Rupy C. Tut, Catherine Wagner, Pae White, Chelsea Ryoko Wong, and Margo Wolowiec
Jessica Silverman’s booth offers an eclectic array of artistic mediums, showcasing the gallery’s diverse portfolio in a vibrant display. Within this diverse collection, a small yet impactful bronze and clay bead earring sculpture by Rose B. Simpson takes center stage. Titled “I Need You” (2023), the sculpture encapsulates its evocative title as it portrays a female figure tenderly embracing an infant. It’s worth noting that five works by Simpson were swiftly acquired by collectors during the opening hours of the fair, attesting to their profound appeal.
Adding to the rich tapestry of mediums, feminist icon Judy Chicago’s creation, “Flowering Glass” (2023), emerges as a striking hybrid of lightbox and stained glass sculpture, interwoven with painting elements. This artwork exudes an enchanting interplay of nocturnal purple and pink hues, embodying themes of feminine embodiment and natural transformation. Its unveiling at The Armory Show is particularly timely, coinciding with the forthcoming, extensive New York museum survey of Judy Chicago’s work, set to open at the New Museum next month.
Jessica Silverman’s booth at The Armory Show 2023 immerses visitors in a captivating blend of artistic expressions, showcasing the power and versatility of contemporary art across various mediums.
Michael Kohn Gallery
Galleries Section, Booth 215
With works by Alicia Adamerovich, Chiffon Thomas, Faris Heizer, Ilana Savdie, Hadi Alijani, Heidi Hahn, Lita Albuquerque, Li Hei Di, Nir Hod, Rosa Loy, Siji Krishnan, Shiwen Wang, and William Brickel
Michael Kohn Gallery from Los Angeles takes center stage at the fair, spotlighting artists from both coasts. Among the captivating works on display are mixed-media sculptures crafted by Chiffon Thomas, a Los Angeles-based artist. Two untitled pieces from Thomas found eager collectors on the opening day, fetching impressive prices of $30,000 and $26,000, respectively. This presentation aligns perfectly with Thomas’s upcoming milestone—a debut museum exhibition titled “The Cavernous” at The Aldrich Contemporary in Connecticut, set to open next week.
Another standout in the gallery’s showcase is a mesmerizing ruby-hued abstraction created by Heidi Hahn, a California-born artist now based in Dusseldorf. Hahn is celebrated for her haunting interpretations of the human form, and her work on display at the fair continues to captivate art enthusiasts with its evocative power and visual allure.
Michael Kohn Gallery’s presence at The Armory Show 2023 provides a compelling platform to experience the diverse artistic talent from both coasts of the United States, showcasing a vibrant array of artworks that leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Patel Brown
Focus Section, Booth F12
With works by Marigold Santos and Rajni Perera
Patel Brown, a dynamic gallery hailing from Toronto and Montreal, makes its mark at the fair with a compelling two-artist presentation featuring the talents of Marigold Santos and Rajni Perera. The booth serves as a platform not only for the individual artistic expressions of these two remarkable artists in the realm of painting but also as a canvas for their collaborative creation—a visually arresting sculpture titled “Efflorescence / The Way We Wake” (2023).
This vibrant, large-scale floor piece is a captivating blend of diverse materials, including polymer clay, styrofoam, paint, metallic powder, synthetic hair, pearls, steel, aluminum, floral foam, paper, and plastic. It intricately depicts a masked woman, her form accentuated by oozing breasts, all set amidst a backdrop of faux flora. This deity-like figure finds itself immersed in a symphony of two-dimensional artworks adorning the surrounding walls. Together, these pieces reflect Santos’s and Perera’s shared fascination with the rituals of feminine power, creating a rich tapestry of symbolism and expression.
Patel Brown’s presence at The Armory Show 2023 offers visitors a captivating journey into the realms of Marigold Santos’s and Rajni Perera’s artistry, inviting contemplation of the multifaceted facets of femininity and power through their collaborative and individual works.
