Art Dealers Share Insights and Perspectives Before the Armory Show
**The Evolution and Challenges of The Armory Show in New York City**
The Armory Show, one of the most prestigious art fairs in New York City, has evolved significantly since its inception in the mid-1990s. Initially, it was a modest event featuring a handful of New York gallerists across three floors of the Gramercy Park Hotel. Over the years, the fair has grown exponentially, now held at the expansive Javits Center near Manhattan’s Hudson Yards, attracting approximately 230 galleries from over 35 countries each September.
This growth brings challenges, as exemplified by the recent experience of Pierogi Gallery, a staple of the show for 25 years. Due to rising booth costs, the gallery initially opted out of the 2023 event. However, after discussions highlighting the gallery and Armory’s shared history, Pierogi returned with a negotiated smaller exhibition space and rate.
The Armory Show’s prominence continues amid significant shifts within the art market. Notably, heavyweights like David Zwirner, Pace Gallery, and Gagosian have opted to skip the Armory Show in favor of other fairs or have focused on international audiences, increasingly targeting buyers in Asia and the Middle East. This transition is part of a larger trend where galleries weigh their options in a fluctuating market, with costs of shipping, travel, and participation continuing to escalate.
Despite these challenges, the Armory Show remains a key venue for galleries to connect with New York’s dense gallery district. It offers an opportunity to engage with local collectors and broaden artist exposure. For many galleries, the show facilitates meetings with new clients, leading to ongoing relationships.
Debuting galleries, like Swivel Gallery, find the exposure invaluable, showcasing emerging artists and gaining visibility that exceeds what a solo exhibition could achieve. Also, for some, the local proximity of the Javits Center to their home galleries offers logistical convenience and sustained engagement with clients.
The Armory Show exemplifies the dynamism of the contemporary art world, balancing its storied past with present challenges and opportunities. As artists and galleries navigate this evolving landscape, the Armory Show remains a vital staging ground for art dealers, collectors, and enthusiasts to both celebrate and critique the ebbs and flows of contemporary art.