On September 5 in New York, a revisioned 16th edition of VOLTA New York unites more than 45 premier exhibitors spanning 18 countries from across the world, on view through September 8. Within its vibrant, new location at Chelsea Industrial, the comprehensive art fair joins Armory Week’s festivities of creativity and connection.
Uplifting Globally Underrepresented Creatives with New Town Square Model
Visual Poetry Series, mixed media on canvas, 91 x 91 cm each, 2023, courtesy of uJung Art Center.
Spearheaded by new Artistic Director Lee Cavaliere, the profound themes of commonality, collaboration, and cultural discourse spark a cutting-edge iteration of VOLTA New York in the form of a town square. Uplifting globally underrepresented creatives lies at the heart of the pioneering event, as does making space for inspired artists deeply affected by the ongoing war with the debut of a Ukrainian Pavilion.
A parade of distinguished, newly appointed advisory members includes contemporary artists Ola and Maya Rondiak, gallerists Ethan Cohen (Ethan Cohen Gallery) and Maryana Kaliner (FORMah Gallery), as well as curator Nikki Nita Ramirez, each of whom further enhances the fair’s influential presence in the city. Immersive events and programming will unfold throughout the run of the fair, including critical roundtable discussions with prestigious speakers.
The New Chapter of VOLTA New York Brings People Together this September
“VOLTA is entering a new chapter,” said Cavaliere. “That means showcasing art that speaks from the world we all inhabit. Art is a great unifier and force that brings people together. We’ll present global perspectives from artists at the cutting edge of their practice, where tradition speaks to contemporaneity—both from our core VOLTA galleries and underrepresented voices from conflict areas, places with less access to the Western art market.
“Moving to the fall season better supports our galleries through the year,” continued Cavaliere. “VOLTA will bring new opportunities for collectors to discover rising talent and with this, a new energy to the September art fair season in New York.”
“Art is a great unifier and force that brings people together,”
— Lee Cavaliere
Courtesy of Kinder Album.
The Ukrainian Pavilion Showcases the Talent and Passion of Ukrainian Artists Amidst War
Alongside non-profit organization Razom, a Ukrainian Pavilion will combine forward-thinking exhibitors such as Ya Gallery (Lviv, Ukraine), Dymchuk Gallery (Kyiv, Ukraine), Black & White Project Space (New York, US), and The Naked Room (Kyiv, Ukraine), supporting visionaries who are currently unable to exhibit on account of the war.
At the Ya Gallery booth, Ukrainian painter Dmytro Moldovanov will offer prismatic canvases brimming with meaningful animal figures, while textile artist Kseniya Bilyk and ceramicist Kinder Album display their latest poetic creations within The Naked Room.
“Razom for Ukraine is pleased to be partnering with VOLTA New York this year,” said Lydia Kokolskyj, Vice President of Development at Razom. “As Ukraine continues to endure violence against its land and its people, as well as the attempted denigration of its history and culture, it is the optimal time to share with art-loving audiences all the talent, beauty, and creativity that Ukrainian artists have to offer. We welcome this opportunity with the Ukrainian Pavilion at VOLTA and look forward to engaging visitors at the event.”
Parvaze, “Land of Enchantment,” 2024, Handstitched Wool, 165 x 114, courtesy of the artist and Emmanuelle G Contemporary.
Rejoicing in New Exhibitors and the 50th Anniversary of Creative Growth Art Center
The egalitarian town square model, newcomers such as Stone Step Gallery (Dublin, Ireland), O-Art Project (Lima, Peru), Marion Chauvy Gallery, (Paris, France), GSA Gallery (Stockholm, Sweden), CARRASCO (Faro, Portugal), and uJung Art Centre (Seoul, South Korea), will reveal the unforgettable artworks of skillful, emerging artists.
Non-profit organization Creative Growth Art Center (Oakland, USA), rejoices in its significant 50th anniversary beside VOLTA New York. With its pivotal mission to raise up artists with disabilities, a bevy of jubilant encounters ensue across New York fairs and at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
VOLTA New York Challenges the Mold of a Traditional Fair
“VOLTA New York addresses a nation on the brink of change,” said Cavaliere. “It mirrors our world—marked by internationalism, the elevation of diverse voices to shape the future, whilst also supporting a local creative economy too. Our exhibitors embody these values.”
Under my new direction I want to challenge the mold of a traditional art fair to reimagine market access within this setting,” explained Cavaliere. “We are thrilled to collaborate with our nonprofit partner Razom, who play a crucial role in our global narrative—highlighting contemporary art amidst conflict. VOLTA New York dares to present the new and unseen this September.”
Aurie Ramirez, Studio 2013, Photo by Cheryl Dunn.
“VOLTA New York dares to present the new and unseen this September,”
— Lee Cavaliere
Visitors will not want to miss coinciding programming like the Future of Art Collecting conversation with educational fair partner Sotheby’s Institute of Art on September 6, showcasing live performances of dance and poetry by deft New York artists. On September 7 at the VOLTA Forum: Contemporary Cultural Markers in Fashion and Fine Art, a remarkable panel of cultural figureheads such as fashion designer Patrick Cupid; Director of Special Projects at Paper Magazine, Mickey Boardman; artist Michael Sylvan Robinson of CAMP Gallery, and more will have a highly relevant exchange on the modern day intermeshing and impact of the arts throughout the world.
Rachel Ann Stevenson, “Hour of the Wolf,” 2024, Polished bronze, 72x39x32cm; courtesy of Galleri Ramfjord.
Luis Fabini, “Harvest Red Chilli,” 2017, Courtesy of Invernizzi Art Lab.
