The Armory Show Turns 30: Celebrating Three Decades of Art

The Armory Show, New York’s largest commercial art fair, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, marking a significant milestone with a blend of tradition and innovation. With Kyla McMillan as the new director and a revamped floor plan, the fair, running from September 5 to 8, embraces a new era under the recent acquisition by Frieze. McMillan emphasizes the event as a moment of reflection and possibility, with over 235 galleries from 35 countries participating. Highlights include notable exhibits from London's Victoria Miro, showcasing Isaac Julien's works, and New York’s Two Palms presenting Tschabalala Self’s new series. The late Chryssa Vardea's solo debut at Blue Velvet, Suzanne Song's 20-year survey at Gallery Baton, and a diverse array of artists at Almine Rech's and Sean Kelly's stands add to the fair's allure. The "Presents" section spotlights younger galleries with unique presentations like Diana Sofia Lozano’s sculptures and Camila Falquez’s photographs. The Gramercy International Prize winner, Blade Study, will feature Paige K. B.'s works, while the Solo section includes Manuel López’s urban landscapes and Kate Gottgens' exploration of suburban life. The Focus section, curated by Robyn Farrell, revisits the fair’s experimental roots with presentations like Jimmy Wright’s drawings of queer life and a video installation inspired by Octavia E. Butler. The Platform section, curated by Eugenie Tsai, will showcase large-scale installations, including Sanford Biggers' new sculpture and Dominique Fung's exploration of Asian wet markets. As The Armory Show reaches its three-decade mark, it continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art, offering a vibrant mix of established and emerging talent, innovative presentations, and dynamic programming.