Photo Story
The 2025 art fair season has descended upon us, and with it comes a myriad of activities. Amidst the hustle and bustle of moving around the cities to see what’s on view, there were many standouts at this year’s presentations at the Armory and Art on Paper.
The Armory: @thearmoryshow
After Nature, Aicon Contemporary, featuring Adeel uz Zafar, Dhara Mehrotra, G.R. Iranna, Arunkumar H.G., Jagannath Panda, Katja Larsson, L.N. Tallur, Marcy Chevali, Priyantha Udagedara, Promotesh Das Pulak, and Shradha Kochhar. Aicon’s presentation is elegant, wondrous and tinged with magic. The glass sculptures by Marcy Chevali glisten and gleam beneath the lighting, creating an archway that is an inviting encounter. Their delicate net quality is juxtaposed by the strength of the connections within the glass, making for an exciting and powerful experience. As sculpture makes way for two-dimensional works, Kochar’s fabulous textiles stand solidly next to intriguing paintings like those by uz Zafar and Iranna that charge the space with compelling discourse that feels like a stimulating dinner party one would want to attend. The works by Mehrotra, Arunkumar H.G, Kochhar, Larsson, Panda, Pulak, Tallur and Udagedara bring form to a sophisticated degree that rounds things out into a versatile and stunning presentation.
@aiconcontemporary @aicongallery @marcychevali @larsson.katja @adeeluzzafar @dharamehrotra @gr_iranna @garunkumarh @jagannathpanda @priyanthaudagedara @promoteshd.pulak @shradhakochar
Art on Paper: @pier36nyc @a21presents @artmarketproductions
Mary Beth Edeldon: Story Gathering Boxes, 1972-ongoing, presented by Pace Gallery
A magical energy is omitted from the booth walls through dimensions of wall collage and interactive art in the form of an accompanying desk with card catalogue. The work of Mary Beth Edelson shines like a beacon and commands one’s attention immediately as you walk in. This stellar grandeur is a cornerstone to the fair, and was not to be missed, with its excellent curation and powerful mastery of language.
TransBorderArt presents Unknown Worlds/Natural Forces: Sarah Dineen – Graciela Cassel
Artists Graciela Cassel and Sarah Dineen are presented on opposing walls that whisper to one another in enticing ways. The presentation resembles that of a diptych, or, as the title might suggest, opposing worlds. The brightness of Cassel’s work crackles with electricity as it communicates through the keyholes that Dineen grounds the space with, it’s foundation solid yet portal-like. These works underscore the openness of the space, and an easy airiness flows fluidly with grace. The booth possesses a sleekness that amplifies the sheen emanating from the framed works of both artists, and underscores the strong and enchanting curation.
@transborderart @graciela_cassel @sarahdineenstudio @raluca_anchidin
Monira Foundation presents: Mana Highlights
Next door, a stunning installation that playfully harkens to the domestic. The black and white backdrop complements the gorgeous reds of the framed works that hang on the wall within the interior decor. As the lines move from drawing into sculpture, the works by Shihori Yamamoto, Qinza Najm, Kele McComsey, Anne Muntges, Jaouad Bentama, Veridiana Patacchini, and Jonathan Twingley are the perfect contrast to wade into and get lost in the most divine way. The curation is engaging and enticing through these thoughtful anchors that make for a satisfying viewing.
@monirafoundation @manacontemporary @mayallbeloved @qinza1 @annemuntges @jaouad.bentama @artmarketproductions @jontwingley @verdianapatacchini
Shoestring Press and Booksmart
An exciting array of artist’s books that roam a great expanse of zines, collage, sculpture, textiles, and more. The tables are filled to the brim with treasures that are meant to be touched, read, unfolded and cherished. The books pictured here, by Iviva Olenick, incorporate natural dyes and draw from the tradition of textiles, including embroidery and plant printing. Others are inlaid with collaged elements, cutouts, pop ups, and prints. From the quirky and handmade, to the pristine and bound, the range of styles, motifs, and designs thoughtfully make sure that there is truly something for everyone.
@centerforbookarts @iviva_in_brooklyn @inciardimachines @shoestringpressny
Nina Katchadourian, Fake Plants, presented by Pace Gallery
The decadence of the floral installation is divine and well-executed. Created from recycled paper and cardboard, the textures vary from razor thin to bulbous pulpy forms. Labored, elaborate, and bountiful sculptural works demonstrate the expansiveness that paper as a medium can take. Larger, life-size paper plants sit low to the ground, their beauty drawing one in and holding one there in enchanted wonderment.
All images courtesy of the writer.