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The Armory Show, now owned and operated by the Frieze Art Fair group, is a cornerstone of New York’s cultural landscape. Since its founding in 1994, The Armory Show brings the world’s leading international contemporary and modern art galleries to New York annually. 

The fair closed on Sunday, September 10, for its 29th edition in its third instalment at the Javits Center. The international art fair, which now serves as the opening event of the fall arts season, hosted a diverse array of international exhibitors, collectors, curators, artists, and guests, totalling 51,000 attendees. Featuring participation from over 225 galleries representing more than 35 countries, this year’s edition saw solid sales and ambitious presentations that transformed the Javits Center into a vibrant hub of artistic expression.

The fair’s impact extended beyond the venue, encompassing installations and events across New York City; reflecting on the event, The Armory Show’s Executive Director Nicole Berry said, “The electrifying energy at this year’s edition was felt throughout the fair. We had exhibitors and collectors from every corner of the globe who were elated by the strong attendance, extraordinary art, excellent sales, and the impact the fair has had on catalyzing important discussions. Year after year, The Armory Show has organized a gathering of collectors, curators, artists, and gallerists in the inspiring setting of New York and its fall art season.”

Highlights of the 2023 fair included sections curated by Eva Respini (Deputy Director and Director of Curatorial Programs at the Vancouver Art Gallery) and Candice Hopkins (Director and Chief Curator of Forge Project). Respini’s Platform section of the fair saw large-scale works installed throughout the central Agora, and Hopkins’ Focus section included solo- and dual-artist presentations. Together, they re-examined historical narratives through the practices of emerging and established artists, whose work is informed by structures of inclusivity and exclusivity. Taking these sections as a starting point, Adrienne Edwards (Engell Speyer Family Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Whitney Museum of American Art) chaired the 6th annual Curatorial Leadership Summit, a day-long, closed-door symposium for curators from around the world.

Prominent museum directors and curators included Cecilia Alemani, Stéphane Aquin, Patrick Charpenel, Melissa Chiu, Anne Ellegood, Alison Gass, Michael Govan, Max Hollein, Anne Pasternak, Adriano Pedrosa, Adriana Rosenberg, Scott Rothkopf, Peter Snare, Alice Gray Stites, Matthew Teitelbaum, Marc-Olivier Wahler, Adam Weinberg, and Rein Wolfs were in attendance.

Many well-known personalities, including Venus Williams, Beck, Chris Rock, Anderson Cooper, Paul Rudd, Diedrich Bader, Paul Dano, David Cross, Reilly Opelka, Zoe Kazan, Rami Malek, Emma Corrin, Hugh Dancy, Alok Menon, Mel Ottenberg, Norman Reedus, Jane Seymour, and Patricia van der Vliet were spotted at the fair.

Top collectors in attendance worldwide included Stefano Basilico, Anita Blanchard & Martin, Nesbitt, Allison Berg, Estrellita Brodsky, Frédéric de Goldschmidt, Larry & Marilyn Fields, Glenn Fuhrman, Susan Goodman & Rodney Lubeznik, Abel Guaglianone & Joaquin Rodriguez, Agnes Gund, Michael & Susan Hort, Ronald Harrar, George & Liz Krupp, Ana Carmen Longobardi, Jeffrey Loria, Bernard Lumpkin & Carmine Boccuzzi, Roszell Mack III, Marianna McDevitt, David Mugrabi, Valeria

Exhibitors at The Armory Show reported strong sales to top collectors and prestigious museums and institutions. Many galleries reported sold-out booths, including 56 Henry, Alexander Berggruen, Charlie James Gallery, JDJ, Johyun Gallery, Marinaro, Martin Art Projects, Patel Brown, Sebastian Gladstone, Semiose, Van de Weghe, and WENTRUP.

Notable sales included: 

Eleven works by Howardena Pindell sold for prices ranging from $100,000–$875,000 and a
Painting by Mario Martinez sold for $125,000 (Garth Greenan)

A painting by Lynne Drexler sold for $800,000, a painting by Perle Fine sold for $275,000, an Alice
Baber painting sold for $200,000, and a painting by Ethel Schwabacher sold for $195,000 (Berry
Campbell)

What The Dealers Said

“As two female gallery owners, The Armory Show supports our mission of celebrating unrecognized women artists. Selling five works in the high five and six figures is a stellar way to kick-off the fall season.” –Christine Berry, Co-Owner, Berry Campbell Gallery.