The New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA) fair in New York City is renowned for showcasing up-and-coming galleries and artists. With 92 booths featuring a variety of exhibitions, this year’s fair highlights the work of local favorites such as Dietmar Busse at Fierman, Amanda Martínez and Alina Tenser at Hesse Flatow, and John Newman at Europa. However, what truly sets NADA apart is its inclusion of promising new arrivals, like Matéria from Detroit, Patel Brown from Toronto and Montreal, and Foundry Seoul from South Korea. These galleries, along with others curated by Simon Wu, present an array of captivating and innovative artworks that captivate viewers and highlight the future of contemporary art.
Hometown Favorites
Booths by hometown favorites
The New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA) fair in New York City is known for showcasing up-and-coming galleries and emerging artists. This year, the fair boasts 92 booths, with several strong exhibitions by hometown favorites. One booth to watch out for is Fierman (4.04), featuring the photo-painter Dietmar Busse. His unique approach to combining photography and painting creates captivating and thought-provoking works of art.
Exhibitions by hometown favorites
Another highlight of the NADA fair is Hesse Flatow’s (4.01) show, featuring the elegant and offbeat sculptures by Amanda Martínez and Alina Tenser, as well as mixed-media paintings by Emma Safir. The combination of different mediums and the artists’ distinct styles make for an exciting exhibition that pushes artistic boundaries.
Highlights from hometown galleries
Europa (1.04), a downtown gallery, is displaying a fantastic collection of fanciful sculptures by John Newman. These sculptures capture the imagination with their whimsical and imaginative designs. The gallery has created an excellent display that showcases the artist’s talent and creativity.
Featured artists from the local art scene
The NADA fair also gives a platform to local artists from the New York City art scene. This year, the fair is proud to feature Jova Lynne, a Detroit-based photographer, at the Matéria gallery (4.11). Lynne’s solo exhibition, titled “Mitosis,” is a deeply personal exploration of loss and identity. Through her warm and understated photos, Lynne captures the raw emotions and cultural significance of her subject matter.
Promising Visitors and New Arrivals
Discovering new galleries
One of the most exciting aspects of the NADA fair is the opportunity to discover new galleries. This year, visitors can explore galleries from out of town, offering a fresh perspective and introducing new artists to the New York art scene. These new galleries bring a breath of fresh air and a sense of discovery to the fair.
Galleries from out of town
Two notable galleries making their debut at the NADA fair are Patel Brown from Toronto and Montreal, and Foundry Seoul from South Korea. Patel Brown’s solo exhibition by Marigold Santos showcases a series of paintings that capture the essence of shape-shifting characters from Filipino folklore. The combination of graphic pop and intricate details in Santos’ artwork creates a mesmerizing visual experience.
Foundry Seoul presents the work of Jongwan Jang, a Korean artist who explores science fiction themes through acrylic and gouache paintings on Korean hanji paper. Jang’s paintings transport viewers to a world both strange and familiar, where squid-headed figures and giant mushroom-capped trees coexist. The uniqueness and strangeness of Jang’s artwork leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Curated Spotlight section
Curator Simon Wu has curated a special section at the NADA fair called “Curated Spotlight.” This section brings together galleries that exemplify excellence and innovation in contemporary art. One of the galleries featured in this section is Strada, which showcases the work of Hunter Amos. Amos’s fresco-like wall pieces feature life-size figures rendered in energetic loops and painted in a reddish-brown color. The fusion of genres and mediums in Amos’s artwork creates a compelling and thought-provoking visual experience.
Featured galleries and artists
The NADA fair is a platform for both established and emerging galleries and artists. It is a place to discover new talents and witness the evolution of contemporary art. The fair features a diverse array of galleries and artists, each bringing their unique perspectives and artistic visions to the forefront. Visitors can expect to be inspired and captivated by the works on display.
Matéria
Overview of Matéria gallery
Matéria is a gallery based in Detroit that has gained recognition for its commitment to showcasing innovative and thought-provoking contemporary art. The gallery aims to foster dialogue and experimentation through its exhibitions and programs.
Exhibition by Jova Lynne
At the NADA fair, Matéria is showcasing a solo exhibition by Jova Lynne titled “Mitosis.” This exhibition is a deeply personal exploration of loss and identity. Lynne’s photographs capture intimate moments and explore the complexities of the human experience.
Artworks featured in the exhibition
Lynne’s exhibition features a series of photographs that depict her aunt in various states of concealment. The photographs create a sense of mystery and allude to themes of loss and cultural identity. In addition to the photographs, Lynne presents small sculptures, including a trombone covered in wax, which adds an element of tactility and invites viewers to engage with the artwork on a physical level.
Themes and concepts explored in the artwork
Lynne’s artwork explores themes of loss, identity, and cultural heritage. Through her photographs, she captures the tension between visibility and concealment, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences of identity and the complexities of the human condition. The artwork also touches on the grieving process and the ways in which we navigate loss and find solace in our cultural heritage.
Patel Brown
Overview of Patel Brown gallery
Patel Brown is a Canadian gallery with locations in both Toronto and Montreal. The gallery specializes in contemporary art and has a reputation for showcasing emerging and established artists.
Marigold Santos exhibition
At this year’s NADA fair, Patel Brown presents a solo exhibition by Marigold Santos. Santos’s artwork is inspired by Filipino folklore and mythology, particularly the concept of shape-shifting characters known as “aswang.”
Description of the artwork
Santos’s paintings feature female figures made of floating red roots or ghostly, marbleized flesh against patterned backgrounds. The figures are concealed, with their faces hidden, adding an air of mystery to the artwork. Santos combines crisp graphic elements with intricate details, creating a visual experience that is both captivating and surreal.
Unique qualities of the paintings
What sets Santos’s artwork apart is the level of detail that becomes apparent upon closer inspection. The paintings reveal hidden elements and nuances that challenge the viewer’s perception and understanding of reality. By blurring the lines between the real and the imagined, Santos creates a visual language that invites viewers to explore and question their own perception of the world.
Foundry Seoul
Overview of Foundry Seoul gallery
Foundry Seoul is a South Korean gallery that aims to promote contemporary art in Seoul and beyond. The gallery represents both Korean and international artists and aims to push boundaries and challenge traditional notions of art.
Jongwan Jang’s paintings
At the NADA fair, Foundry Seoul presents the work of Jongwan Jang, a Korean artist known for his unique and thought-provoking paintings. Jang’s artwork explores science fiction themes and combines acrylic and gouache paintings on Korean hanji paper.
Materials and techniques used
Jang’s paintings are created using a combination of acrylic and gouache, which allows for rich colors and textures. The use of Korean hanji paper adds a cultural and historical element to the artwork. Jang’s meticulous technique and attention to detail create a visual experience that is both captivating and immersive.
Strangeness and uniqueness of the artwork
What sets Jang’s artwork apart is its strangeness and uniqueness. His paintings transport viewers to a world that is both familiar and foreign, where surreal elements coexist with everyday objects. By challenging the boundaries of reality and imagination, Jang creates a visual language that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
Strada
Overview of Strada gallery
Strada is a gallery that specializes in contemporary art and is known for showcasing artists who push the boundaries of their respective mediums. The gallery aims to provide a platform for artists to experiment and explore new concepts and themes.
Hunter Amos’ fresco-like wall pieces
At the NADA fair, Strada presents the work of Hunter Amos. Amos’s artwork consists of fresco-like wall pieces that feature life-size figures rendered in energetic loops.
Description of the art
Amos’s wall pieces depict figures with low-key, introverted smiles. The figures seem to exude a sense of joy and ecstasy, as if they are in this state from the act of creating art. The energetic loops with which the figures are rendered add a dynamic element to the artwork, creating a sense of movement and fluidity.
Mash-up of genres and mediums
What makes Amos’s artwork unique is the fusion of genres and mediums. The artwork combines elements of fresco painting, sculpture, and contemporary art practices. The reddish-brown color palette adds depth and richness to the artwork, creating a visual experience that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
NADA New York
Event details
NADA New York is an annual art fair that showcases up-and-coming galleries and emerging artists. The fair provides a platform for galleries and artists to connect with collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts from around the world.
Location and venue
The fair takes place at 548 West 22nd Street in Manhattan, a central location that is easily accessible to both locals and visitors. The venue provides ample space for galleries to showcase their artwork and for visitors to explore and engage with the art.
Duration of the fair
NADA New York is a multi-day event, providing ample time for visitors to fully experience and appreciate the artwork on display. The fair typically runs for several days, allowing visitors to attend at their convenience and explore the diverse range of galleries and artists.
Featured galleries and artists
NADA New York features a curated selection of galleries and artists from around the world. The fair highlights both established and emerging talents, giving visitors the opportunity to discover new artists and trends in contemporary art. The fair’s diverse range of galleries and artists ensures that there is something for everyone, from traditional mediums to experimental installations.
Correction
Correction made regarding the cause of death
A correction has been made regarding the cause of death for the artist Jova Lynne’s mother. The article previously stated that she died of Covid-19 during the pandemic in 2020. However, it has been clarified that she passed away in 2020, but not from Covid-19. It is important to ensure accuracy when reporting such sensitive information.
Clarification of the artist’s mother’s passing
The artist Jova Lynne’s solo exhibition at the NADA fair, titled “Mitosis,” touches on themes of loss and grief. Lynne’s mother passed away in 2020, and this personal experience has influenced her artwork. By clarifying the cause of her mother’s passing, the article provides a more accurate representation of Lynne’s artistic journey and the emotional context of her exhibition.
About the Author
Will Heinrich’s background as an art critic
Will Heinrich is an art critic known for his insightful and nuanced analysis of contemporary art. He has a deep understanding of the art world and has contributed to various publications, including The New Yorker and The New York Observer. Heinrich’s expertise and critical eye enhance the credibility and professionalism of his writing.
Previous work for other publications
Heinrich’s previous work for publications such as The New Yorker and The New York Observer demonstrates his extensive experience and knowledge in the field of contemporary art. His writing has helped shape the discourse around art and has provided valuable insights for both art professionals and enthusiasts.
His focus on contemporary art
Heinrich’s focus on contemporary art reflects his keen interest in exploring new ideas and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. By highlighting emerging artists and galleries, Heinrich brings attention to the vibrant and ever-evolving art scene.
Relevance and expertise in the subject
Through his extensive writing and critique, Heinrich has established himself as a reputable authority on contemporary art. His relevance and expertise in the subject matter make him a valuable contributor to the discourse surrounding art and culture.
