Running through just this weekend (9/30), at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea, The Affordable Art Fair brings 70 international galleries who are showcasing original paintings, sculptures, photographs and prints from more than 300 contemporary artists to NYC. Pieces start at $100 at this biannual event, whose mission is to democratize art.
The fair boasts a vast array of programming and partnerships. For the first time, they are partnering with the NonViolence Art Project who supports a non-profit, The Non-Violence Project Foundation. The Non-Violence Project Foundation’s mission is to inspire and motivate young people on how to solve conflicts peacefully. The Non-Violence Art Project has collaborated with several well-known artists to produce a series of collectible, limited-edition knotted-gun sculptures which are available for sale at the fair. The sculptures have been designed by Paul McCartney, Musician, Jonny Johansson, Creative Director at Acne Studios, Muhammad Ali, Professional Boxer, and Yoko Ono, Artist, among others. A percentage of the proceeds from the sculptures’ sales will go towards funding the Non-Violence Project’s programs. The Non-Violence Art Project’s presence at Affordable Art Fair NYC aligns with the Foundation’s 25th anniversary and the 30th anniversary of the infamous ‘Non-Violence’ sculpture created by Swedish artist, Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, which is placed outside the UN Building in New York City. To celebrate this anniversary, The Non-Violence Art Project is revealing a new ‘One World’ sculpture that will be available for sale at the fair.
The fair features a strong roster of original programming, including new engaging activities such as therapeutic art-making and a very special and unique live music performance, as well as returning in-demand features such as personal shopping tours and the infamous Under $500 Wall. Affordable Art Fair NYC’s Official Nonprofit Partner, The Art Therapy Project, will host three interactive artmaking activities for the whole family. The first, Mindful Mandalas, allows participants to use a mental ring, yarn and beads to design a mandala of their own. ‘Mandala’ comes from the Sanskrit word, ‘circle’, and is known to be very therapeutic. Next is Van Gogh’s Sunflowers: Symbols of Happiness. Sunflowers represented the artist’s hope to inspire and create an artist community and during this workshop, participants can create their own version of a sunflower, and add it to a “community vase,” bringing to life Van Gogh’s hope. The Art Therapy Project’s Community Art Wall is where participants can create an image on a blank canvas using colored markers. It will then become a piece of the community art wall, evolving each day of the fair. Visitors can get creative and support this organization with a donation that will benefit programs for at-risk youth and survivors of sexual assault. All workshops are held on a drop-in basis and cost $10.
Exploring two levels brimming with a variety of art, abstracts and photography – of Manhattan and beyond – play a relevant role, with colorful works of varying textures and shapes that are sure to make any room in the house, pop. From galleries with abstracts such as Fine Art Consultancy London & Tokyo, Kypriaki Gonia Gallery, Ronen Art Gallery, Lustre Contemporary and garcia studio nyc, to photographs presented by Bruce Lurie Gallery, Contempop Gallery and Kahn Gallery, there truly is something for everyone at the fair. Affordable Art Fair NYC has plenty on display to bring visitors up to speed on all the latest trends, from PANTONE’s 2018 Color of the Year (Ultra Violet) brought by Galleries including Able Fine Art NY, Ground Floor Gallery and Public House of Art, to diverse and contemporary depictions of the modern woman from galleries such as Art Angler, BOULDERTON CONTEMPORARY ART, DECORAZON Gallery, and Lilac Gallery. Interested buyers can also enjoy nature in the comfort of their own home with artworks presented by Will’s Art Warehouse, Cameron Contemporary Art, Boxheart Gallery, Spence Gallery and Northern Daughters.
The Young Talent Exhibition is a dedicated platform that supports emerging artists and curators within the contemporary art community. The fair includes a solo exhibition by New York-based and self-taught photographer, painter, and mixed-media artist Chase Hall, curated by Lolita Cros. A native Parisian, Cros has been making waves as an independent curator with her unorthodox venue choices and unique visual lens. She is currently curator and art consultant for The Wing co-working and community spaces designed for women.
Since its launch in 1999, the Affordable Art Fair has welcomed over 2.3 million visitors through its doors, and sold over $425 million worth of art. A global brand and one of the leading and most popular art fairs in the world; this year 12 fairs take place in nine cities worldwide in New York, London, Hong Kong, Amsterdam, Brussels, Hamburg, Milan, Singapore and Stockholm. The Affordable Art Fair also places a strong emphasis on charitable giving and since 1999 has donated $1.9 million worth of stand space and advice to emerging artists; provided $3.2m worth of art education; and has raised $1.3m globally for local charities. For more information, visit www.affordableartfair.com
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