Yesterday The Armory Show in New York City closed its centennial-themed edition of the leading fair for contemporary and modern art. Last Wednesday, the fair was introduced at a press conference by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. More than 210 galleries from over 30 countries were exhibited alongside emerging newcomers. Mayor Bloomberg noted the importance of the New York art scene when it comes to the city's tourism, economy and industry.
Mayor Bloomberg stated, “New York City is the center of the modern art world, and the arts have never been stronger or more vibrant here. Every year, this week is one of the most exciting, and most important, on the cultural calendar. Thousands of artists, collectors, curators, and art lovers flock to New York City to take advantage of this week’s happenings, and that’s good news for the city’s tourism industry and our economy.”
According to Noah Horowitz, Executive Director of The Armory Show, “The 2013 edition of the fair was our strongest to date with a fluid layout that complemented well-considered presentations and remarkable works of art. Local, national, and international collectors were out in force emphasizing the strength of the art market with New York as its center. Additionally, we are proud to have celebrated the centennial of our namesake, The Armory Show of 1913, through programming and special projects commemorating the legacy of the avant-garde in the United States.”
The exhibitors reported consistently strong sales. The Armory Show pulled in major US and New York-based museum groups including The Andy Warhol Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago and more. Deborah Harris, Managing Director, The Armory Show, Modern, said, “This year's edition was further refined with an improved floor plan on Pier 92. Galleries reported strong sales to new and established collectors, with continued interest in American, German and Italian works from the 60's, 70's and even 80's. What we have seen throughout the duration of the show are clear signs that the market remains buoyant for fresh works of high quality.”
From New York to London to Dubai, everyone was pleased with The Armory Show. Sean Kelly of New York commented, “We are really happy and have done well, as we always do at the Armory.” Glenn Scott Wright, Director of Victoria Miro Gallery, London, said, “Again, The Armory has been a great experience for us with strong sales across all of our artists. The fair gave us the chance to re-connect with our clients and make new contacts with private collectors and institutions alike.” Barrak Alzaid, director of Isabelle van den Eynde Gallery, Dubai, said, “The Armory has offered us a platform to showcase some of the leading artists coming out of the region.”
This year a new partnership was launched with Hudson River Park located on the West Side of Manhattan. Responses to The Armory Show's off-site public sculpture, I Need to Start Seeing a Therapist, 2013, by Cary Liebowitz included the Senior Art Critic of New York Magazine, Jerry Saltz, who commented, “The PERFECT sculpture to greet all those giant cruise ships coming into New York. Think of it as our HOLLYWOOD sign. Could make it permanent. Way to go Cary Leibowitz…”
The Armory Show thanked its incredible list of partner organizations, with whom it presented an outstanding edition of Armory Arts Week in NYC. The fair's popular VIP program was extended to a new group of prominent collectors, having joined the newly-formed Centennial Committee. The 2013 VIP program showed the strength of The Armory Show's connection to its host city. To sum it up, collector and Centennial Committee member Michael Hort commented, “It was an excellent fair, the quality of galleries was just what we like to collect. We appreciated the more spacious layout and the VIP hour, which allowed you to have conversations. What more can I say, it was a great fair!”
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