A major event on New York City’s calendar each year, the Armory Show assembles artists, galleries, collectors and critics for one of the world’s top art showcases. Now in its 13th year, the Armory Show presents an eye-popping superfluity of exhibitions, tours and panel discussions. In addition to the main event at Piers 92 and 94, there are supplementary art shows throughout the city during Armory Arts Week.
More than 60,000 people are expected to attend the week’s shows. According to Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who spoke at the official press conference yesterday, that means millions of dollars in economic activity for the city and proves New York City’s clout as the world’s cultural capital and a top tourist destination. Part of the Armory Show’s proceeds will directly benefit the acquisition fund of the Museum of Modern Art.
This year’s Armory Show focuses on Latin American art. Mexican-born Gabriel Kuri, an artist based in Belgium, was commissioned to create the visual identity for the 2011 fair. Kuri’s art often mixes seemingly incongruous materials and sets the aesthetic look of the show, as featured in advertising and marketing materials, as well as in the official catalogue. One of his works—an untitled advertisement for Chiquita bananas, printed in reverse—is on display in the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Arts, London) booth. Brazilian-born, New York-based Valeska Soares’ Disclaimers (2010), a collection of found book pages mounted on colored paper in 54 vintage frames, is featured in the Eleven Rivington booth. German painter Florian Süssmayr’s Selbstportrait (2010), a gorgeous oil-on-linen portrait, is exhibited in the Nicholas Robinson Gallery booth.
The Armory Show 2011 is divided into Contemporary and Modern sections. The Modern division houses a selection of illustrious galleries specializing in modern art on Pier 92, while the Contemporary division on Pier 94 features new works by living artists.
Ticketed visitors are admitted to both sections, and advance tickets can be purchased online or at the door during show hours. General admission tickets are priced at $30; students with ID pay $10; groups of 10 or more are offered discounted tickets for $15 per person. Run of Show Passes ($60 each) are good for all four days of the Armory Show. See www.thearmoryshow.com and www.armoryartsweek.com for full details.
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