Entrance to the Armory Show at Pier 92 & 94 12th Ave. at 55th Street) New York City
The Armory Show is the the leading international contemporary and modern art fair showcasing the best representations of 20th and 21st century art.
Historically, the 1913 Armory Show (aka International Exhibition of Modern Art) was held at 69th Regiment Armory, on Lexington Avenue (between 25th and 26th Streets) in New York City and is regarded as the most important event in American art history. The Show exposed New Yorkers to avant-garde and modern art both European (mostly) and American.
Today’s Armory Show (aka The International Fair of New Art) started in 1994 as the Gramercy International Art Fair, held at the Gramercy Hotel, outgrew its location, relocated to the 69th Regiment Armory, renamed itself and eventually settled in its current home at Piers 92 and 94 (Twelfth Avenue at 55th St.) in New York City.
Right, history lesson over, now onto what’s in store for this year’s Show…
For starters, there are 3 new programs, Armory Film, curated by the Moving Image Fair, which will feature an international selection of contemporary video and experimental films; Solo Projects, a section dedicated to single artist exhibitions and the new Media Lounge where Armory Film, Open Forum (a series of talks) and Armory Performance will take place. Also new this year, a strategically designed floor plan, gourmet restaurant and lounges dotted throughout the fair for visitors to chill out and discuss the art.
However, the stand out feature this year, as declared by Founding Director, Paul Morris is the Show’s decrease in size which will allow for more tightly curated exhibitions.
Returning for it’s third installment is Armory Focus, an invitation-only segment, which will feature the exhibition, The Nordic Countries, curated by Malmö Konsthall Director, Jacob Fabricius including galleries from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland.
Last but not least, don’t miss works by commissioned artist Theaster Gates amongst the international line-up of exhibiting galleries throughout the fair.
Coinciding with The Armory Show is Armory Arts Week, a series of events including special receptions, open studios, art tours, museum discounts, performances, panels, artist discussions and parties taking place at various locations throughout the city.
The Armory Show 2012 will run from 8-11 March at Piers 92 and 94 (Twelfth Avenue at 55th St.), New York City. Tickets may be purchased in advance on the Armory website.
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