This April, the prestigious IFPDA Print Fair will once again grace the Park Avenue Armory, taking place from April 9 to 12. Renowned as the "gold standard for fine art print collecting," this annual event will feature 80 exhibitors and a broadened emphasis on drawings, celebrating the deep-rooted connection between printmaking and drawing.
Jenny Gibbs, the Executive Director of the IFPDA, shared insights on this expansion: "Integrating drawings into the fair is a natural progression, as both forms embody graphic thought and the transformation of concepts through line and pressure." Art historian Susan Tallman echoed this sentiment, noting that prints and drawings serve as a platform where artists can express their thoughts creatively.
Among the standout pieces at this year's fair is Edgar Degas's evocative monotype, "Dancers in Rehearsal" (c. 1874-76). This work exemplifies the unique nature of monotypes, which blur the lines between drawing and printmaking. Degas's fascination with this medium was so profound that it became a defining aspect of his artistic journey.
Additional highlights include:
- Jasper Johns's "Flag" (1967), an early artist's proof.
- Paula Rego's impactful abortion etchings, which played a role in shifting public opinion in Portugal, along with a discussion led by curator Jennifer Farrell about the upcoming Rego exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2028.
- Hernan Bas's latest etchings from his "Nightmare" series.
- Kiki Smith's impressive graphite drawing, "Standing and Seated Girl" (2004).
- Max Ernst's "Strange Hallucination" (1948), which combines pen and ink with found imagery.
- Dana Schutz's innovative etchings created with unconventional tools such as sandpaper and tattoo machines.
- Francisco Goya's poignant "It's No Use Crying Out" from "The Disasters of War" (c. 1811-12), reflecting on the aftermath of the French invasion of Spain.
The fair will also host a dynamic program featuring artists and curators engaging in insightful conversations, including Derrick Adams, Christophe Cherix, and Julie Mehretu, among others. This event promises to be a vibrant celebration of artistic expression and innovation.
Mark your calendars for the IFPDA Print Fair at the Park Avenue Armory from April 9 to 12.