On May 8 in New York, the invigorating 16th edition of Independent art fair unfolds at Tribeca’s iconic Spring Studios, on view through May 11. During this year’s comprehensive edition, 85 galleries and not-for-profit spaces from around the world offer creations by more than 130 skillful visionaries. Curated by the fair’s perceptive founder Elizabeth Dee alongside founding curatorial advisor Matthew Higgs, with notable advisors Alexandra Alexopoulou and David Ulrichs, the invitation-only spring event brings together leading institutions and art collectors for an exceptional art and cultural affair. Further, a dedicated talks program is the icing on the cake, with highly-relevant and captivating live events.
Established Artist Solos and Thematic Spotlights, Alongside New “Independent Debuts” in New York
Bambou Gili, “Moonlit Bighorn Sheep,”
2024, courtesy the artist and Night Gallery, Los Angeles.
Fairgoers can look forward to a meticulously designed showcase of emerging, mid-career, and established creatives at the ethereal Spring Studios. A number of solo shows by established artists are site-specific to Independent, and a myriad of exhibitions embrace visceral themes of Indigenous identity, our global environmental crisis, as well the levity that art can bring with witty and brilliant humor.
Within the long-awaited 16th Edition of Independent, a fresh curatorial program titled “Independent Debuts” makes ample space for solo presentations, spotlighting New York’s spirited, emerging artists. Known for launching significant careers in the industry, Independent will emphasize 26 forward-thinking creatives in this new platform. Momentous shows include Mandy Franca with Night Café, Satoru Kurata with Tomio Koyama Gallery, Kiriakos Tompolidis with Galerie Judin, Turiya Adkins with Hannah Traore Gallery, and many more.
A Critical Talks Program Unfolds at the 16th Edition of Independent
Spring Studios, New York. Courtesy
of Spring Studios and Independent.
In robust partnership with Puck media organization, Independent raises the curtain on a parade of conversations with pionering guests speakers such as Matthew Higgs, Marion Maneker, Lucy Mitchell-Innes, Charles Moffett, Maureen Paley, Kendra Jayne Patrick, and Chris Sharp. Further, celebrated jazz musician Joe McPhee rejoices in the debut of a new memoir titled Straight Up, Without Wings, The Musical Flight of Joe McPhee. The singular piece ebbs and flows through 60 years of historic music-making, and Corbett vs. Dempsey gallery will host the premier event with a jubilant book signing on May 10.
Independent Gallery Highlights
Vielmetter Los Angeles
Portrait of Shanna Waddell, photo by
Zachery Le.
Within thematic presentations supporting Mother Earth’s precious elements, the distinguished Vielmetter Los Angeles debuts a luminous show with artists Andrea Bowers and Shanna Waddell. Here, a pivotal eco-feminist dialogues ensues. The insightful Bowers sculpts a blooming opposition to patriarchal violence and environmental ruin, while Waddell visualizes an idealistic female artist commune.
Yancey Richardson Gallery
TKC_EmpireState 001
Yancey Richardson Gallery brings works by the dynamic artist Tseng Kwong Chi to Independent this year. Behold mesmerizing photographic self-portraits by the New York-based queer immigrant creative, produced from 1979 to 1989. Titled “East Meets West,” the series reveals the artist donning a “Mao suit” paired with mirrored sunglasses in front of American and European tourist locales, meditating deeply on realms of belonging and otherness. In addition, portraits taken between 1985 and 1988 reveal unforgettable moments with friends like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Andy Warhol.
Mitchell-Innes & Nash
Pope.L, “Untitled (Maya Angelou’s Car Breaks Down On the Way to the
Whitehouse Reception),” circa 1998, ballpoint pen, marker, ink, hair and
tape on collaged paper, 10 1/2 by 11 in, photography by Kunning Huang © The Estate of Pope.L, courtesy of The
Estate and Mitchell-Innes & Nash, New York.
Mitchell-Innes & Nash shines light on American artist Pope.L, whose multi-faceted creations of performance, installation, sound, writing, drawing, and painting delve potently into race, identity, class, and language. The visionary fearlessly confronts complex issues with sharp humor and famous faces, challenging historical events and notions to revelatory effect.
