Today MAKE visited the NYC Armory Show 2008, over 160 international galleries roll in and feature new art by living artists. I’ve gone for a couple years and this show was fantastic. I think the part of the reason I enjoyed this show so much is where art seems to be heading (lately) more “crafty” and more electronics. While there is traditional fine art (paintings, etc) the really striking works are using modern materials and modern processes like 3D printers and laser cutters.
Neon was big this year, there were at least a dozen artists who used neon in their works in some way – in a world where everything we use glows, it makes sense that the art is starting to glow too.
My favorite artist there was Jenny Holzer, she’s best know for her “text as art” in public spaces, “truisms” and lately she has been using LED signs. Her twitter is interesting (not sure if it’s hers, but her aphorisms are there).
I took tons of photos, view more of the NYC Armory Show 2008 photos here.
About the show:
The Armory Show, The International Fair of New Art, is the world’s leading art fair devoted exclusively to contemporary art. In its tenth annual exhibition, The Armory Show 2008 will celebrate the spirit of contemporary art. The exhibition includes many of the most important contemporary dealers showcasing new art from around the world.
New York is home to more collectors, galleries, critics and artists than any other city in the world. During The Armory Show, they are joined by many thousands of their peers from around the globe making New York the true center of the international art world.
The Armory Show is the successor to the highly acclaimed Gramercy International Art Fairs that attracted thousands to their New York, Los Angeles and Miami shows between 1994 and 1998. The Armory Show was first presented in February 1999 at the 69th Regiment Armory, the very site of the now legendary Armory Show of 1913 that introduced modern art to America and for which The Armory Show is named.
After the deaths of Founding Members Pat Hearn and Colin De Land the remaining founders of The Armory Show established a benefit foundation in their name. The Pat Hearn and Colin De Land Cancer Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to provide assistance for medical expenses to members of the visual arts community with cancer.
Some fast facts:
- Started in 1999
- 160 artists
- 2007 had 52,000 visitors
- Sales in 2007 from the show, $85 million
- They allow photos and the staff is super nice
Related:
Editor’s note: This is part of the “mobile post” series which will appear on MAKE – sponsored by Windows Mobile. Only the links and voice that appear in the mobile post box (below) are part of the campaign on MAKE – pt.
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