The 2021 edition of Intersect Aspen opened yesterday to the public, featuring 30 exhibitors from 26 cities in a pop-up presentation at the Aspen Ice Garden. On view through August 5, the show exhibits a tight selection of gallery and their carefully curated offerings, including a dynamic range of emerging and established artists with mediums and concepts that reflect the past pandemic year.
“As in-person events return, there is a palpable momentum and excitement to be in Aspen this summer, which is a sentiment that is shared by the local community, and so many galleries and collectors who are coming from out of town,” Tim von Gal, CEO of Intersect Art and Design. “This pop-up edition of Intersect Aspen will be a vibrant destination for people who can’t wait to get back to seeing art, and each other, in person.”
Courtesy of Intersect Aspen.
Highlights this year include a solo presentation of April Gornik’s luminous landscapes at Miles McEnery Gallery, Elizabeth Condon’s fluid abstractions at Emerson Dorsch, Linda Lopez’s ceramics at Mindy Solomon Gallery, stunning design objects at Friedman Benda, group presentations of women artists at Berry Campbell Gallery, and a solo presentation by artist Kevin Ford at 12.26, among others.
“We are so pleased to be returning to Aspen this summer for what promises to be a dynamic and exciting time in the mountains,” added Becca Hoffman, Managing Director of Intersect Art and Design. “As our first in-person event since the pandemic, the curated selection of galleries highlights a thoughtful mix of established and younger galleries from around the country showcasing art, design, and photography.”
The fair also welcomes a handful of cultural partners, including Aspen Film, which is presenting four acclaimed animated short films from its 2020 and 2021 Oscar®-qualifying Shortsfests; and STONELEAF RETREAT, showing creations by alumni residents like a large-scale fiber work by Liz Collin and a digital pigment print by Keisha Scarville.
Alexander Holler at Casterline Goodman, courtesy of the gallery and Intersect Art and Design.
Whitewall spoke with Hoffman to hear what she’s looking forward to seeing inside the fair and how she’ll be spending her time outside it.
WHITEWALL: This year’s Intersect Aspen features 30 exhibitors from 26 cities. What are some not-to-miss presentations?
BECCA HOFFMAN: That’s a hard one, as every booth promises to be a standout, but a few highlights include the stellar presentation—both in terms of booth design and works—at Selavy by Di Donna with works by Joan Mitchell, Clyfford Still, and many more. April Gornik’s skyscapes at Miles McEnery feels like the right note of peace and abstraction for this current moment.
At Perrotin, I’m excited to see the works of Jean-Michel Othoniel and Johan Creten. Hassan Hajjaj is a perennial favorite of mine so it will be a pleasure to see his works on display at projects + gallery by Barrett Barrera Projects.
From the design perspective, Friedman Benda’s booth is a not-to-miss as well. I covet that Wendell Castle stool.
WW: What is the layout of the show like? What it will be like for visitors to explore this space?
BH: In thinking about the layout and being mindful of the current and ever-changing health and safety concerns, we wanted to create an open and flowing floorplan with dynamic sightlines and ease of navigation. With only 30 galleries, the intimate curated Fair allows visitors the opportunity to really engage with each and every one of our galleries.
Wendell Castle at Friedman Benda, courtesy of the gallery and Intersect Art and Design.
WW: Has the past year of compounded crises impacted the material being presented?
BH: First off, I feel this wonderful sense of joy and ebullience throughout our galleries, cultural partners, collectors, and the local community for the opportunity to be back in person and experience art in real life. Something that has truly been missed.
Additionally, I have noticed that galleries are being increasingly more thoughtful about the curation of their presentations since this is truly one of their first art fair outings in over sixteen months.
In keeping with that sense of thoughtfulness, there are certain galleries like Monica King Projects and Nancy Hoffman Gallery that are curating their presentations by an infusion of inspiration of nature and landscape which seems quite apropos for Aspen!
WW: Are there any young talents you’re excited to keep on your radar?
BH: Yes! Jon Young—an Indigenous American artist being shown by Carl Kostyal. Young’s sculptural works are inspired by his own personal history and experiences; explorations of symbolism both from the cultural and societal perspectives while being rooted in his own personal interpretations of the American West.
Amanda Baldwin’s landscapes being shown by Hesse Flatow capture a contemporary painterly abstracted sense of adventure, nature, and joy.
Linda Lopez at Mindy Solomon. Lopez’s works just have a sense of personality, they captivate and engage. Transforming everyday forms and objects, they force the viewer to be mindful of our place in the world.
WW: Which Aspen-based gallery presentation are you looking forward to?
BH: We have two great galleries from Aspen participating in the Fair—Galerie Maximillian and Casterline Goodman. Each gallery will be showcasing a group show with some highlights.
At Casterline Goodman, work by George Condo, Ed Ruscha, Sean Scully, and contemporary artist Alexander Holler. And at Galerie Maximillian, works by Grayson Perry, Yinka Shonibare, and David Shrigley, among others.
April Gornik at Miles McEnery, courtesy of the gallery and Intersect Art and Design.
WW: How will you be spending your time in Aspen outside of the fair? Any favorite places to eat, drink, or relax at?
BH: I’m a big fan of Aspen’s natural beauty—that magical summertime green and those vast open blue skies. I’m looking forward to swimming at the Meadows’ pool and getting in some hiking at Maroon Bells.
On the food side of things, being a cheese lover and cheesemaker, I always search out a place to go wherever I travel, and in Aspen, Meat & Cheese is truly one of my favorites. A great local and regional selection! The lobster rolls at Ajax Tavern are a decadent delight and a dirty martini at the Library Bar of The Little Nell is the perfect way to unwind after a long day.
