The Independent art show has revealed the participating galleries for its upcoming New York event, which will take place at Tribeca’s Spring Studios from May 11 to 14.
The 14th edition of this small-scale but consistently exquisite event follows an unusual nomination process where potential participants are suggested by Matthew Higgs, the fair’s co-founder.
This promotes cooperation, and it is typical for exhibitors to share booths, giving the showcase a museum-like atmosphere. 66 galleries and nonprofit organizations applied this year, 16 of which will be exhibiting for the first time.
In an interview, co-founder of the fair Elizabeth Dee stated, “I think people love Independent because it’s talking about the future, particularly the May edition. But it’s never just about the young and the new; we have established galleries like Maureen Paley and Kasmin next to up-and-coming ones from the UK or Berlin. A sense of trust and legitimacy is strengthened by the context and credibility of an older gallery alongside a more recent gallery.”
Stephen Friedman Gallery in London, Sargent’s Daughters in New York, and Diane Rosenstein Gallery are among the galleries making their debuts. Magenta Plains, Karma, and P.P.O.W are a few of the New York galleries preparing to sell their wares, while Richard Saltoun (London), Morán Morán (Mexico City and Los Angeles), and Air de Paris (Romainville, France) are some of the international galleries participating.
Dee added that since starting Independent, she’s noticed “a critical shift in the generational structure. What I’m seeing is that among the next generation rising of galleries there’s a real social consciousness. We’ve really extended a hand to galleries working in that area, to bring them into the fabric of the art world. We wanted to show a true reflection of what the art world looks like, not just the art market.”
Similar to the prior edition, the fair will create online ancillaries before its opening, including videos, features on the participants, and interviews with artists. The highlights of the presentation will be released in early 2023.
Independent will launch during the busy spring fair season in the city, coinciding with TEFAF New York and the Future Fair and running a week before Frieze New York and NADA. Independent has permanently changed its dates to May.