Independent has unveiled the list of 76 exhibitors set to showcase their work at the 17th edition of its May Fair, scheduled for May 14-17 at the newly selected venue, Pier 36, located in the vibrant Lower East Side.
This year's fair will spotlight over 100 artists, with more than 70% of the booths dedicated to single-artist presentations. Notable artists include Jason Fox at David Kordansky Gallery, Petra Cortright at Interval, and Rei Kawakubo of Comme Des Garçons, who will present a solo exhibition.
In an exciting initiative, over one-third of the participating artists will be making their New York solo debuts, a program termed "Independent Debuts." Featured artists include Omar Mismar at Secci and Arna Óttarsdóttir at i8 Gallery, among others.
Emphasizing community, Independent has invited several local galleries to participate for the first time, including Spencer Brownstone Gallery and Kiang Malingue. This move not only enriches the fair's offerings but also strengthens ties with the local art scene.
The new venue will enhance the fair's aesthetic, as Independent collaborates with two design firms: D_P_S (Diogo Passarinho Studio) for exhibition design and Solid Objectives Idenburg Liu (SO-IL) to ensure a cohesive integration with the Lower East Side environment.
For the first time, the fair will feature sculptural installations throughout the venue, including works by Gretchen Bender and Francis Upritchard. Additionally, Nikolas Ventourakis has been commissioned to create an installation inspired by his photographic explorations of urban waste, located at the fair's entrance.
"This is going to be an extraordinary year for Independent," stated founder Elizabeth Dee. "The relocation to Pier 36 has provided us with a unique opportunity to innovate. With new commissions, debuts, and a fresh design approach, we aim to exceed expectations and redefine the future of art fairs."
The complete list of exhibitors is available below, showcasing a diverse range of artistic talent.
*Indicates Independent Debuts presentations.
