The 2026 IFPDA Print Fair concluded with remarkable success, attracting over 21,000 visitors across four days at the Park Avenue Armory. This year's event marked a significant milestone, with attendance surging by 20 percent compared to the previous year, highlighting the fair's growing appeal.
While the impressive turnout was noteworthy, the fair's evolving identity took center stage. Following a membership vote last year, the International Fine Prints and Drawings Association expanded its scope to include drawings dealers, reflecting a shift in how collectors engage with works on paper.
On the exhibition floor, this transformation was evident yet gradual. Some dealers embraced the change by incorporating drawings alongside prints, while others maintained their traditional focus. This blend resulted in a vibrant atmosphere characterized by a steady flow of mid-market sales.
Hauser & Wirth showcased a diverse collection of over 30 prints and artworks, with prices ranging from $5,000 to $250,000, while Two Palms sold out an edition of 28 Cecily Brown etchings priced at $7,500 each. Notably, six-figure sales were reported for works by renowned artists like David Hockney, underscoring the continued resilience of the print market.
Young collectors, often priced out of painting and sculpture, have increasingly turned to prints, contributing to a market that thrives on volume rather than solely high-value sales. This trend has allowed prints to account for approximately 12 percent of dealer sales by value, despite the overall market for works on paper experiencing slight declines.
The fair also featured a newly launched summit attended by over 100 curators and included programming with notable artists such as Julie Mehretu and Derrick Adams. IFPDA executive director Jenny Gibbs emphasized the importance of fostering connections and knowledge-sharing within the print community, which translated into strong sales during the event.
As collectors increasingly view prints and drawings as part of a cohesive category, the fair's evolution reflects broader changes in the art market. However, whether this shift will lead to a fundamental transformation of the fair remains to be seen. For now, the early indicators suggest a continuation of its established focus, albeit in a challenging economic landscape.