SCOPE returns to New York this week for its 17th edition, with presentations of 59 galleries from 23 countries and 45 cities. The fair is taking a more focused approach this year, creating an intimate experience for discovering emerging contemporary work at its new Chelsea venue at the Metropolitan Pavilion. Earlier this month, Whitewall asked SCOPE’s director Alexis Hubshman about the upcoming New York show, and the fair’s 11th edition coming up this summer in Basel.
WHITEWALL: How would you describe the roster of galleries participating this year in SCOPE New York?
SCOPE New York 2016
ALEXIS HUBSHMAN: SCOPE is a fair known for new discoveries. The exhibitors at SCOPE New York will be showcasing thought-provoking works engaging themes in the current emerging market. Featured exhibitors include The UK’s Pontone Gallery, New York’s Lyons Wier Gallery, South Africa’s Christopher Moller Gallery, and San Francisco’s Spoke Art.
WW: Last year when we caught up with you before the New York fair, you shared that galleries focused on emerging artists were stepping up and taking bigger risks with solo presentations. Do you think we’ll see more of that this year?
SCOPE New York 2015
AH: This trend has definitively continued into this year—we have quite a number of galleries presenting strong solo exhibitions. For example, Christopher Moller Gallery is coming all the way from South Africa to present a solo show of Neo Matloga, which we are very excited about. We also have a young Canadian gallery joining us, reference: contemporary, showing unique acrylic glass constructions from artist Kal Mansur. Lyons Wier Gallery is bringing esteemed artist James Austin Murray for a solo show. We’re also excited about l’etrangere from London who is bringing a solo show of Joanna Rajkowska, a Polish artist that works with many mediums including objects, films, photography, installations, and public performance. In addition, we have a special project of select artworks from the “Power Struggle” series by Harif Guzman, presented by Soho Arts Club.
Additionally, Alida Anderson Art Projects is presenting a solo show of artist Amy Lin; Adelson Galleries from here in New York is showing Colombian artist Federico Uribe; Galeria Contrast is presenting a solo exhibit of Xevi Vilaró; Gallery 38 is showing street artist King Saladeen; KIRK Gallery from Germany is joining us this year with a solo presentation of Jacob Brostrup; New York Art Wave Project will have a full installation in their booth of artist/poet Yuki Kobayashi; RARE Gallery is presenting a solo show of Colin Prahl; Kyunam Han will be presented by Brooklyn-based gallery SPACE 776; Trotta-Bono Contemporary will be showing Lekha Singh; and German artist Isabella Sedaka will be shown by X-Pinky.
JAMES AUSTIN MURRAY, Johnny told me-Oil on canvaS-48 x 48 in.-Courtesy of Lyons Wier Gallery, NY
WW: Looking ahead to June, this year SCOPE Basel will be celebrating 11 years. What can we look forward to there?
AH: We’re excited to announce that SCOPE has secured its future in Basel with a long-term investment in the City’s rich culture. SCOPE Haus, previously named Clarahuus, will host creative events focused on complimenting Basel’s blooming contemporary art, design, music, and architecture scene.
ELEKTRA KB, Cathatra Insurgents Defending Liberated Autonomous Territory, 2016, 51 x 71 in, Courtesy of Damien A. Roman Fine Art
Just a brief five-minute walk from Art Basel (Messeplatz), our well-appointed venue offers collectors the most convenient and ideal view of the contemporary art world available nowhere else. SCOPE Basel 2017 will welcome 85 International exhibitors alongside 10 Breeder Program galleries. Following SCOPE Basel, SCOPE Haus will begin to host cultural events, markets and shows that cater to tastemakers in the city of Basel and beyond.
ANNA VALIEVA, Madonna with Child, 2016, oil on canvas, 140 x 110 cm, Courtesy of Voloshyn Gallery
