Art Basel

Vibe: The flagship fair — cosmopolitan, commercial, and huge.

Basel feels like the super bowl of art – and can be overwhelming in its vastness, but it provides moments of joy and wonder throughout. This year was no different, so much to see, so much to ponder, and art that was talked about all through the town. Beeple’s “Regular Animals” installation was a smash hit with it’s not so subtle criticism of celebrity, power and maybe even robots. This is the place where major acquisitions and cultural conversations happen.

Untitled

Vibe: Curated, thoughtful, international.

I get excited when I put in the address to the beach in my Uber app. And even more excited when I get to the Untitled tent! It’s all part of the art week experience! Its layout and programming are designed to encourage discovery with depth, making it a favorite for visitors who want art that’s intellectually engaging and globally resonant. I love the feel of this fair and particularly enjoyed the Nest section of the fair which “bridges social and cultural divides within contemporary art”.

Scope

Vibe: Energetic, playful, and often edge-pushing.

Scope brings a youthful, vibrant energy to the Miami art fair scene with experimental contemporary art, immersive installations, and a strong presence of performance and new media work. Less formal than the major fairs, Scope’s atmosphere encourages exploration and interaction.

Art Miami

Vibe: A curated, collector-focused atmosphere.

Known for blending accessible presentation with serious content, at Art Miami you can engage with significant historical names as well as discover exciting contemporary work. The fair strikes a balance between commercial dealings and aesthetics, which resonates with seasoned collectors and curious first-time attendees. A busy opening night and lots of sales and networking make this a definite must-attend fair.

CONTEXT Art Miami

Vibe: A curated and discovery-oriented fair.

CONTEXT creates an atmosphere where collectors, curators, and art fans can engage directly with innovative, cutting-edge work — including solo artist presentations, special exhibitions, and fresh projects created just for the fair. A friendlier smaller venue that enables more chats and engagement than some larger fairs.

NADA

Vibe: Vanguard, experimental, discovery-driven.

This is widely known as a hotspot for emerging and experimental art, with a focus on innovative galleries, nonprofit spaces, and artist-run initiatives. It’s less commercial than the big fairs, and often the place where fresh voices and bold curatorial experiments first make their mark. Take your time here and listen to a panel or presentation and enjoy the lovely outside lounge.

Spectrum Miami

Vibe: An artist driven art fair/experience.

Spectrum is an art party. From the Art Theater presentations to Jason Perez’s Street Art booth, this fair blends approachable accessible art with collectors from far and wide. You get to see the whole process here in some cases. Art being made, exhibited, and sold all in one venue. Come and meet all the up and coming artists here.

Red Dot Miami

Vibe: International scope with a strong focus on high-quality gallery presentations.

Red Dot looked great this year, with familiar names and new exhibiting galleries all reporting success. Red Dot had a huge opening night with attendance up all weekend and lots of sales. It celebrated its 20th edition in 2025, making it one of the longest-running and most respected satellite fairs of the week.

The post Art Week Miami 2025 Review appeared first on Art Business News.

And finally, Pham Luan, represented by Vietnamese Contemporary Fine Art, is the first Asian artist to have a painting in the New York Historical Society, with additional works held in Vietnam’s National Assembly House and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. And this is just a few to showcase the caliber of artists we bring to NYC each year. We’re so excited to offer our galleries the chance to present these artists in a new venue as well.

Supporting Emerging Galleries and First Time Collectors

One of the most rewarding aspects of running Affordable Art Fair NYC is seeing new collectors discover the joy of acquiring art. At recent editions, over 77% of exhibitor sales went to clients who were new to that gallery, demonstrating how the fair helps galleries expand their collector base while welcoming those engaging with art in new ways.

To support emerging galleries, I launched our Fellowship Program, which provides resources and guidance to connect new and smaller galleries with collectors. This initiative, along with partnerships with organizations like Cohart, Arts Gowanus, Artplacer, CITYarts, Materials for the Arts, and FIT, allows us to create programming that is both educational and engaging – from hands-on workshops to tools that help visitors visualize art in their own spaces.

Responding to the Collector Market

The art market is evolving. Galleries are increasingly focused on expanding audience reach and cultivating sustainable collector relationships, while collectors are looking for transparency, meaningful engagement, and work that resonates aesthetically and culturally.

Affordable Art Fair NYC is designed to meet these needs. 65% of our visitors report purchasing art at least every 1-2 years, and many are collecting for the first time. By keeping pricing clear, curating thoughtfully, and creating an inviting environment, we ensure that both new and experienced collectors feel confident participating in the market.

Growing Beyond New York

Although Affordable Art Fair is an international brand with fairs in 15 cities worldwide, each edition is shaped by its local audience. In New York, more than 75% of visitors live within the five boroughs, making local relevance a priority.

In 2025, we’re also expanding our Northeast team and launching Affordable Art Fair Boston in October and this past May, the second edition of Affordable Art Fair Austin demonstrated that our model – community-focused, collector-driven, and accessible – resonates in multiple U.S. markets.

Looking Ahead

Moving the NYC fair deeper into Chelsea represents more than just a change of address. It is a strategic decision to provide galleries with more space, collectors with more opportunities to discover work and generate accessibility in the contemporary art market. Personally, it is deeply rewarding to see these choices come to life in a venue that supports our vision as a brand and enhances the collector experience.

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Art Santa Fe

https://redwoodartgroup.com/art-santa-fe
July 11 – 13, 2025

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Art Santa Fe welcomed over 80 exhibitors, including galleries, independent artists, and dealers presenting contemporary and decorative works across painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry, glass, and more!

Art Santa Fe 2025 delivered a thoughtful, celebratory fair with broad appeal for collectors, designers, and art-lovers seeking approachable works and design-minded pieces. Attendees kept commenting it was the best looking Art Santa Fe yet! Here’s to 25 more years.

IFAM

https://folkartmarket.org/
July 10-13, 2025

IFAM 2025 featured  approximately 150 master folk artists and cooperatives from 57 countries. Artists achieved $3.88 million in sales, setting an organizational record and underscoring the market’s global economic impact. The market feels like a fun art party and has something for everyone.
IFAM 2025 was a powerful celebration of global folk art—blending cultural exchange, economic empowerment, and creative education in a festive, inclusive atmosphere. With immersive programming and significant sales success, it underscored the potential of folk art markets to transcend commerce and foster connection.

SITE Santa Fe

https://www.sitesantafe.org/en/
https://www.sitesantafe.org/en/once-within-a-time/
Once Within a Time
June 27, 2025 – January 12, 2026
 
Once Within a Time is a meandering narrative collage that reimagines Santa Fe as both artifact and stage—a living archive of stories, mythologies, and artistic interventions. Whether discovered within the SITE building or in unexpected local storefronts, each stop offers a glimpse into how personal histories loop into collective memory.
The exhibition foregrounds storytelling—both oral and visual—by pairing contemporary artworks with historical or fictional characters connected to Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico. Many commissions are site-specific, activating the distinctiveness of each venue with immersive installations and narrative encounters

Museum of New Mexico Foundation

Vladem
https://www.museumfoundation.org/

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line
June 20, 2025 – September 21, 2025
Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line is a beautifully curated, historically rich retrospective celebrating Mucha not only as an emblem of Art Nouveau, but also as a pioneer in mass‑visual communication. The exhibition’s layout bridges early works and global legacy, making it both informative and immersive. If you can’t make it to Santa Fe, its next stop will be  Nelson‑Atkins Museum, Kansas City (April–August 2026).

Organized by the Mucha Foundation, this ambitious show features over 100 works from the Mucha Trust Collection, highlighting Alphonse Mucha’s development—from student drawings and book illustrations to his iconic posters and designs that created the Art Nouveau movement.

And in a fun twist it also explores the 1960s–70s revival of his aesthetic, showing its influence on psychedelic rock posters (e.g., Grateful Dead, Rolling Stones), comic books, and Japanese manga.

Museum of New Mexico Foundation

https://www.museumfoundation.org/
Eugenie Shonnard: Breaking the Mold

March 8 – September 1, 2025
“Eugenie Shonnard: Breaking the Mold” marks the inaugural posthumous exhibition of Eugenie Shonnard (1886–1978), a pioneering woman sculptor whose career carved a place for itself in American Modernism—especially within the artistic landscape of the Southwest

Breaking the Mold is a compelling and deeply research-driven exhibition that reclaims Eugenie Shonnard’s place in American art history—especially within the Southwest. It reveals her convergence of European Modernist training with local iconography and forms, and showcases her inventive spirit through material innovation and formal sensitivity.

Georgia O’Keefe Museum

https://www.okeeffemuseum.org/
A Circle Nothing Can Break
November 11, 2024 – March 1, 2026
This exhibition begins with a quote from a letter to her future husband Alfred Stieglitz, with Georgia comparing their relationship to “a circle that nothing can break”.  This quote shows the importance of one of O’Keeffe’s most evocative motifs—the circle. It surveys key moments in her career when circular shapes and spirals emerge in her abstractions—first in the formative 1910s, and again in her late-period work during the 1970s, after a long hiatus from such themes.

The show features early works created under Alfred Stieglitz’s influence in New York and those from later challenging periods—including post-Stieglitz grief and her late creative revival—offering emotional and formal continuity through this simple but expressive geometric form

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FOG San Francisco 2025: An Extravaganza for Contemporary Art Lovers

As an art fair junkie who just happened to be in San Francisco this January, I felt it was my duty to check out the 2025 FOG Art Fair. The day was bright and windy and I set off to the Pier to see the fair for the first time. This fun event is held on the waterfront, with a charming farmer’s market happening outside. But inside the fair immersive experiences and cutting-edge art was everywhere. A unique selection of high-end galleries, designers, and artists, abounded.

I strolled the fair enjoying the energized vibe of a quite busy Sunday afternoon with people of all ages thoroughly engaging with the art. In the Focus section of the fair, children participated in activities, while adults watched an experimental film. I pressed onward, enjoying the collection of futuristic furniture and design objects that used sustainable materials in innovative ways. A delightful lunch in the pop up restaurant was just what I needed, before meandering my way through the crowd and on with my day.

Overall FOG was an exciting collection of galleries and artists with a perfect balance of sophistication and approachability. The fair also hosted numerous panel discussions, artist talks, and hands-on workshops for those wanting a more in-depth experience. I highly recommend this fair for travelers like myself and Bay Area locals looking for a fun weekend or an amazing work of art.

FOG Design+Art

fog@fogfair.com
@fogfair
#fogfair

January 22-25, 2026
Fort Mason Center

https://www.fogfair.com

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A curated group of gentlemen art professionals

Spectrum Miami, now celebrating its 14th year, is where contemporary art meets the extraordinary. Featuring works by over 250 exhibiting galleries and artists, the fair is located adjacent to its sister event, Red Dot Miami, creating a dynamic duo in the heart of Miami’s art scene. Spectrum Miami highlights the vibrant local and global art landscape through special programs and site-specific exhibitions, with participants spanning the Florida region, the U.S., and beyond.

This five-day fair offers an electric atmosphere of discovery and engagement, enhanced by its signature Spotlight Program. This year, the Spotlight honors a curated group of distinguished gentlemen art professionals, celebrating their passion for art and their innovative contributions to the field.

Gerard Frank – Booth 1000
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
https://gerardfrank.art

Gerard Frank is a prominent contemporary artist known for his remarkable blend of realism and impressionism. Frank uses mediums such as oil, acrylics, and mixed media to portray the spirit of metropolitan environments and the subtle nuances of human interaction. His celebrated pieces, such as Directional Glance and Contemporary Times, demonstrate his outstanding ability to depict the interplay of light and shadow, resulting in compelling and immersive situations.

Nikolai Petrov, Art Petrovik – Booth 804
Ontario, Canada
www.artpetrovnik.com

Nikolai Petrov’s wood sculpture exemplifies the artist’s mastery in transforming raw timber into evocative forms. Each piece reflects a harmonious balance between intricate detail and bold, sweeping lines, capturing both the essence of natural elements and the complexity of human emotion. Petrov employs traditional carving techniques, enhanced by a contemporary aesthetic, to create sculptures that resonate with viewers on multiple levels. The use of natural oils highlights the wood’s inherent beauty, allowing light and shadow to play across the surface, adding depth and movement. This artwork not only showcases Petrov’s technical skill but also invites contemplation and connection with the organic world.

Mauricio Malagutti – Booth 1016
Orlando, Florida
www.malagutticreations.com

Malagutti, born in São Paulo, Brazil, is a visual artist renowned for his dynamic three-dimensional artworks. His creations often feature mixed media on wood panels and canvases, incorporating materials such as resin, clay, and wood. Malagutti’s pieces are characterized by vibrant colors, intricate textures, and fluid forms, reflecting his deep understanding of shapes and volumes.

Erick Mota – Booth 1107
Freehold, New Jersey
www.erickmotaart.com

Having a great philosophical and introspective awareness of the human experience, Erick Mota is a visionary artist whose approach to the canvas is propelled by his comprehension of the human experience. With each stroke of the brush, he invites viewers to embark on a trip through the various elements of humanity, diving into the unbridled power of emotions and the influence that culture has on the formation of our characters. Through his art, Mota explores the complexities of the world around him, transcending the bounds of visual expression to produce pieces that serve as powerful testaments to his unrelenting pursuit for knowledge and self-discovery as seen in his piece Alicia.

Russell Scott, Modest Art 88 – Booth 1307
Los Angeles, California
www.modestart88.com

Russell Scott is an innovative artist whose work showcases a unique blend of exploration, style and vibrant colors. His pieces often explore a theme of abstract rhythmic visual experiences that evokes emotions. Utilizing mediums such as acrylic and oil paint. Scott creates compelling visuals like his Super Powers piece that engage and inspire viewers. His dedication to craftsmanship and innovation has earned him recognition in galleries in the US and abroad, making his artwork a distinctive presence in the contemporary art scene.

The post SPECTRUM MIAMI 2024 SPOTLIGHT PROGRAM appeared first on Art Business News.

Shining the light on women art professionals

Red Dot Miami, a premier gallery-only contemporary art fair now in its 19th year, will once again be held alongside Spectrum Miami, forming a centerpiece of the highly anticipated annual presentation of top galleries and artists from across the U.S. and the globe. Red Dot Miami highlights the very best of the contemporary art world through special exhibits and engaging programming, showcasing exhibitors, art industry leaders, and select nonprofits and institutions.

The five-day fair offers a dynamic atmosphere of discovery and interaction, including its signature Spotlight Program, a curated focus on cutting-edge galleries selected by the Redwood Art Group curatorial committee, ensuring a unique and inspiring experience for all attendees.

For Red Dot Miami 2024, the spotlight is shining on five women art industry professionals, each with a passion for art and the artists their gallery represents.

Stanek Gallery – Booth 312 
Miami, FL
Owner is Katherine Stanek
https://www.stanekgallery.com/

Stanek Gallery is a woman-owned, all-women-run gallery with locations in Miami, Florida and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where 50% of represented artists are also women. Stanek Galley focuses on showcasing contemporary fine art with a dynamic range of established and emerging artists. Katherine emphasizes creating an inclusive space for both seasoned collectors and new art enthusiasts. Stanek Gallery invites collectors and enthusiasts alike to explore pieces that challenge, inspire, and captivate, featuring the works of museum collected artists Moe Brooker and James Brantley.

Galerie Helligkeit – Booth 202
Rosenheim, Germany
Owner is Luciana Mestieri Seidl
https://galeriehelligkeit.de

Helligkeit in German means “brightness” symbolizing the gallery’s focus on illuminating light. Galerie Helligkeit is composed of artists from many countries, present in various art markets, showcasing their diversity everywhere. Luciana’s focus is on emphasizing modern and contemporary works with a clean, bright aesthetic and thought-provoking themes, including the artwork of Barbara De Angelo and Gabriel Veiz. Galerie Helligkeit’s artwork has the marks of being very collectible in 2025.

Gato Gordo Gallery – Booth 310
Miami, FL
Owner is Inna Malostovher
www.gatogordogallery.art

Gato Gordo Gallery focuses on Latin American art, including vivid modern works. Inna Malostovhe’s gallery is well-known for its colorful, vibrant works that combine traditional and modern aesthetics. Gato Gordo Gallery houses a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and multimedia works from Miami and Latin America. Despite being Russian by birth, Inna is committed to displaying culturally diverse and emotive items that reflect Miami’s Latin American heritage, including the artworks of Inna M. and sculptor Oscar Martinez.

Hagan Fine Art – Booth 504
Charleston, SC
Owner is Wendy Carlin
www.haganfineart.com

Hagan Fine Art, led by Wendy Carlin, is a prominent Charleston-based gallery celebrated for its captivating curation of American and international artwork. With its Charleston setting, the gallery brings the spirit of Southern charm and global artistry to the forefront. Hagan Fine Art has a wide-ranging collection that includes impressionist and abstract works, including artwork by painter Jaquan Hicks and sculptor Scott Penegar. Hagan Fine Art appeals to both seasoned collectors and new art enthusiasts. The gallery’s selection embodies a deep commitment to artistry, quality, and connection, making it a distinguished stop for those seeking vibrant, meaningful art experiences.

RAG Contemporary – Booth 406
San Francisco, CA
Owner is Alyssa Danielle
http://www.ragcontemporary.com

RAG Contemporary specializes in emerging artists’ contemporary fine art. Alyssa curates pieces with a fresh perspective on modern fine art, works that challenge and engage with current cultural conversations. Focusing on new, innovative pieces, including mixed media, abstract art, and figurative works, the gallery has featured works by Gretchen Röehrs and RS Biggs. RAG Contemporary is very active in supporting emerging artists with workshops, artist talks, and community-driven exhibits.

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SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO!

Artexpo’s programming and events kept fair goers busy and exploring. From meeting the Spotlight Program recipients to seeing the amazing artists showcased by the Legends to watching new art masterpieces being created right on the show floor. And a special collection on the Mezzanine in the Jason Perez Art Lounge. It was a fair filled with fun, events, and art!

The Spotlight Program provided collectors with a focused look at several galleries and prominent artists who created a site-specific exhibition. Spotlight Program recipients for 2024 included:

• Denise Allen
• Galeria Azur
• Greg Lotus Gallery
• Resurrect Studio
• Tengetsu

Learn more about each of them in the feature article in Art Business News!

 

This year, Redwood Art Group acknowledged and commemorated six special exhibitors who have made Artexpo New York a not-to-be-missed event: the Artexpo New York Legends. Each Legend was selected by Artexpo’s curatorial team based on three factors:

• For 10 years or more, the Legend has consistently exhibited at Artexpo New York
• Demonstrated unswerving representation of artist innovators, consistently bringing forward-thinking cutting-edge art to the fair
• Articulate and distinctive presentation of each artist’s work, exceeding all display guidelines

The Artexpo New York Legends are:

• Artavita / World Wide Art
• Artifact
• INNOART
• Mecenavie Gallery
• Sammoun Fine Art

Read the full story on Art Business News!

 

SALES & SUCCESS STORIES

The diversity of art in all mediums gave art enthusiasts a wide range of art to add to their collections — and they did in impressive numbers. Here is a brief look at some of this year’s reported exhibitor sales.

Artavita – World Wide Art placed a number of its most popular works from its artists, including pieces by Chantal Lembege, Kateryna Brovkova, Caroline Rogers, Paula Lifewitz, and Yen Hei Chan.

Samir Sammoun of Sammoun Fine Arts, an Artexpo New York exhibitor for 29 years, proved to be one the most successful exhibitors with 14 pieces placed, ranging in price from $2,600 to $24,000, that included Cafe de la Madeleine, Paris II; Blue and Yellow; Le Tibre, Rome; Paris by Night; Cafe de la Madeleine, Paris VI; Cherry Blossom, Central Park; Fenêtre sur de Méditerranée; andLa Prairie, Automne among others. His invited artists Kimvalrie and Yaryna Catarsys also placed several works each.Renssen Art continued their annual success with significant sales, including Erik Renssen’s Coffeepot, Woman with Hat, Reclining Nude, Sleeping Girl, Woman with Necklace among several others. They also placed Picasso originals Rocking Chair and Portrait of a Man.

International exhibitor, Red Art Istanbul made a splash with collectors and placed several Daiki Limited Editons, including I’m Batman and You Don’t Know the Power of the Dark Side. They also placed multiple pieces from Hande Ugur’s popular The One Franklin Series, plus artist Acerol’s Yemek Yapanlar along with several other pieces.

JC Gallery featuring artist Jay Chung was pleased to place multiple originals including Upward Life, Script Outdoor, Composition 3, We’re the World, andTaxi among several others.

First time exhibitor Diego De Erice Art made a splash with his collection of abstract originals and No Bunny sculptures, placing multiple sculptures ranging in price from $1,500 to $2,000 each, plus original paintings including Storm, No Words, and 4 pieces from the No Light Intento Series.

Sweden’s Svenska Konstgalleriet made a major statement with Oldergaard Glashytta amazing cased glass pieces and place 8+ pieces, plus sales of their other featured artists.Art by Neelam had a busy SOLO booth with mutiple pieces finding new homes, including Another Lovely Evening, Spring Time in DC, Winding Down At Dusk, 

When the Fog Rolls Out, Not a Cloud in the Sky, Her Awesome Silence, You Greet Me With A Smile, Blooming in Harmony, Where Dream Abide, Whispering Secrets Hold Mysteries, It Weaves Across the Land, A Silent Pact with Water, andEmbrace of the Tangerine Sky.

Returning SOLO artist, Alissa Van Atta’s booth was busy throughout the fair, placing both originals and prints including Gertrude, Please Don’t Take Him, Neon Queen, andAs We Speak.

Showing for the first time, Montana’s scratchboard artist Ariel Rodriguez, was excited to sell multiple originals including Birds of a Feather, Tiger of the Sky, Cougar Cub, Screech in Pine, Wake Up and Smell the Flowers, Vixen, and Honey.

James Venuti showcased his amazing photography and sold mutiple pieces including Hummingbirds’ Delight, Village, and Moon Lighting.Always popular, ArtNWordz placed 60+ pieces, ranging from prints at $40 to originals at $2,700 to $8,500, including Snow White, Garden Heart, Butterflies, and Beautiful Lee among others.

 

 

Artists and galleries were presented special honors as recipients of this year’s Artexpo Awards. This year’s proud winners were the following:

• BEST BOOTH DESIGN: Cyvyn Chen, Tengetsu, Diego De Erice Art, and Renssen Art Gallery

• BEST SCULPTURE: Ryan Taylor – Perseus Gallery – SAB Gallery Collection,Cosculluela Gallery, and Gisela Engeln-Muellges – Artavita / World Wide Art

• BEST NEW EXHIBITOR: Sehyun Jean, Oakley Smith, Pedjman Art, and Scott Glaser

• BEST INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITOR: Eri Yoshida and Re D’italia Art

• DIRECTORS’ AWARD: Van Leeuwen Art, AGI Fine Art, K-Art Projects USA

• BEST [SOLO] EXHIBIT: Asit Kumar Patnaik and Saori Kurioka
• AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: Alissa Van Atta and Jason Perez Art

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! THE MEDIA BUZZED!

Our team caught all the weekend’s happenings on camera for you to relive the excitement. Take a look at our Flickr photo album or see our posts on Facebook and Instagram for a glimpse of all that Artexpo New York had to offer. Thanks to everyone liking and following us on our social media channels—we love keeping you engaged! Be sure to go behind the scenes, and enjoy video highlights from the world’s largest fine art marketplace.

Media coverage included a shout-out in Trade Show Executive, Art Market Magazine, Just Luxe, DCMetro Theater Arts, Luxury International, One Art Nation, Widewalls, Art Majeur, Lux Lifestyle, and others.

WITH OUR THANKS!

We would like to extend a huge thank you to the countless exhibitors, collectors, galleries, and artists who played a part in Artexpo New York 2024. We would also like to thank our sponsors for making this year’s event one of the best. We are looking forward to seeing you again for Artexpo New York 2025 — April 3-6 at Pier 36!

The post It’s a Wrap! Artexpo New York 2024 appeared first on Art Business News.

With a Collectors’ VIP Opening Night that hosted more than 2,500 attendees, it’s clear that people were excited about the return of San Diego’s most anticipated contemporary art event. As expected, Art San Diego offered art aficionados and collectors an unparalleled opportunity to explore, experience, experiment, and discover.

Whether you were there and want to relive the highlights with us or you couldn’t make it this year and want to excited about next year’s show, read on for a recap of Art San Diego 2023.

ACCESS TO ART PROGRAM

Through Access to Art, Art San Diego, in partnership with UBS Financial Services, works with selected charities and those they serve to share opportunities in art, design, business development, and more. Art San Diego’s 2023 Access to Art partners were Monarch School, Humble Design, and ARTS DISTRICT istrict.

With their Hide and Seek: A Surrealistic Celebration of Colors and Dreams themed booth, Monarch students in collaboration with Liberty Station ARTS District artists and Humble Design showcased and sold their artwork to more than 70 appreciative attendees. Check out the Access to Art video to see an overview of the collaboration of this amazing program.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

Art San Diego’s acclaimed programming once again caught the attention of fairgoers and media alike.

The Spotlight Program provided collectors with a focused look at several galleries and prominent artists who created a site-specific exhibition. Spotlight Program recipients for 2023 included:

• Alessandra Silvaberg Studio
• Carol Hartman
• Edna Oar Young
• Henry Blond
• Julia C R Gray

The [LOCAL TALENT] program’s recipients Jann Nunn, Chakib Bouhdary, Ann Golumbuk, and Yahel Yan also had a success weekend. Funded by Art San Diego and Presenting Sponsor UBS Financial Services, in partnership with the ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station and the NTC Foundation, [LOCAL TALENT] is intended to amplify and support San Diego’s visual arts community.

TOP SALES

With thousands of guests pouring in throughout the weekend, Art San Diego exhibitors reported strong sales. Here’s a sampling of some of this year’s top sales:

• Access to Art featured the Monarch School Art Program and sold 98 student artworks, including original paintings and sculptures, coasters, pins, buttons and pillowcases. In addition, the large LOVE collaborative piece was sold for $2,500. In total, just under $8,500 of artwork sold for this worthy community program.
• Mary Johnston sold multiple pieces from her Squares Collection including Trees in Green
• Jen Tough Gallery sold works by artists Alissa Van Atta, Dotti Cichon, Maureen Farrell, Danielle Krysa, L. BaLoMbiNi, Lauren Bencivengo, and Berenice L.
• Laura Ortiz Vega placed Van I
• Ivan Pahomov sold Transformation, a 60″ x 40″original for $2,500
• Ann Golumbuk [LOCAL TALENT] artist placed several pieces including Bad Ass Stick and Love Sex and Rock & Roll and took a commission
• Chakib Bouhdary [LOCAL TALENT] artist placed one of his Multi Modern Chess Boards
• Jann Nunn, another of the [LOCAL TALENT] artists placed 5 of her wall sculptures at $2,050 each, including Karma #5, Chameleon #6, Mystic #8 , Laguna #7, and Sun Ray #3 
• sister + sister: The Butterfly Effect special Art Lab sold several of the special installation pieces including a Lilies Sculpture, a Large Nest, and a Medium Nest
• Julia C R Gray placed several of her ceramic sculptures, including Coral She (23 Spotted Blue), 5” She Mini (Power Turquoise), and 5” She Mini (Charcoal, Nebula Blue) 
• Kate Taylor sold multiple pieces, including Daybreak, Day Sunny Days, Field at Night, Dreamy Days, The Deep, Garden Vista, Cool Waters, From the Bottom, Aquatic Dreams, and Ryans Tranquility
• Carol Hartman sold several of her 12″ x 12″ originals
• Ana Magazlon placed Cherry Blossom 
• Benjamin Rinenbach placed six of his 12″ x 12″ pieces in addition to 4 Minutes at Cabrillo
• Joux Art sold two of Andrew Mack’s pieces including New Journey and Rejuvenation Time
• Anne Kullaf sold Torrey Pines, a 36″ x 36″ piece for $7,500
• Scout Dunbar placed Pony, a 30″ x 30″ original, plus six Pony 16″ x 16″ drawings at $575 each, Rocking Horse, Audubon Fish Drawing, Coral Study, and San Antonio Cooking Class, a 20″ x 20″ at $2,200
• Dana Swedo Bernal placed three of her 24″ x 24″ pieces Blue Sea Glass, Green Sea Glass, Sea Breeze at $1,000 each
• Mecenavie placed Valentin Perrault’s Portrait among others
• Stephen Robeck placed Strata in the Clouds, Strata in the Water, and Strata 4
• Teresa Ferrari placed Mermaid for $1,500
• Pond Gallery’s Jia Lu placed Afterglow, Traversal, Traveler, Crossing Flames, Let It Go, and Sunday Afternoon, each at $2,000
• Mariah Morrell placed Valentina Bottle Print and Cholula Bottle
• Thomas Elias Lockhart III placed The Standard, Cotton Bowl, Power Players, BTBTTOFC, From Cotton to Roses, Eyes Don’t Lie, and Hord of S, in addition to four calendars and three posters
• Gia Chikuaidze sold Exotic Tea at $3,200
• Magz Yang sold several of her prints, plus Thank You For Golfing with Us, American Fuckery, and Stay Sexy
• Lennon Art Collection sold multiple pieces of John Lennon Art, including Working Class Hero, The City inn My Heart, A Cat Climbing, and Forever Love
• Troy Oglesbee Art’s ocean scenes were popular and he placed several Harvest Moon prints, plus Maui Blush, Calm Before the Storm, Pico Cove II, and Calm Before the Storm
• Lisa E. sold Biome 1, 2, 3, Desert Blush, Autumn Crush, and four Faces by Miche
• Sihyeon Park sold Ilwolobongdo-CA-2, a 24″ x 20″ original at $2,500
• George C. Falelo sold multiple of his Floral Expressions at various sizes for $175, $400, and $450 respectively
• Shelley Zentner placed The Dreaming, a 18″ x 18″ original at $2,800
• Sarah Stieber’s colorful works were a hit and she placed Monarch, Love & Let Go, Painting Happiness, Kismet, Evolve Study, Love & Let Go Study, After the Concert, Complimentary, Finding Center Study, and took a commission
• Walter Redondo placed Joined Experiences, a 49.5″ x 61.5″ original at $10,000
• Artavita / World Wide Art sold Marilyn Maxwell’s Rowdy, a 20″ x 30″ original at $2,000; Pham An Hai’s Obsess at $15,000; Olivia Kapoor’s Star Stump at $2,500, Elisabet Engqvist’s The Poppy Field, a 13″ x 9″ at $900; ClauDio’s Tropical 1; and Wendy Cohen’s Passion Play, among others
• Raphael Delgado placed Well Guarded at $3,000 and Portrait of a Girl with Magenta Hair at $3,500

Still thinking about one of your favorite pieces from the show? Find the exhibitor in our Art Gallery and connect to see if it is still available. Who knows—you may find more than one that’s perfect for your collection!

AWARD WINNERS

While fairgoers shopped the aisles of great art, artists and galleries received special honors as we handed out this year’s Art San Diego Awards. Here are this year’s winners:

• INTERNATIONAL: Kate Taylor and Mina Arts
• BOOTH DESIGN: Katie Crown and Latchezar Contemporary
• DIRECTORS AWARD: sister + sister: The Butterfly Effect and Artavita/World Wide Art
• SCULPTURE AWARD: Willi Baptiste Palanza and Julia C R Gray
• BEST NEW EXHIBITOR: Arendt Graphics and Dr. Thomas Elias Lockhart III
• EXCELLENCE AWARD: Sihyeon Park
• SOLO AWARD: Benjamin Rinenbach and Lisa E.

Many thanks to our wonderful sponsors for their generosity and to everyone who attended the show. Our success was because of you! Until next year, make sure to follow Art San Diego on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes shots.

We’ll be looking forward to seeing you again for Art San Diego 2024, November 1—3 at the San Diego Convention Center.

The post That’s A Wrap: Highlights of Art San Diego 2023 appeared first on Art Business News.

ALEX FUNES LOVIS

In the fascinating world of digital art and photography, emerges the remarkable work of Alex Funes Lovis, originally from Mexico born on November 8, 1966, a passionate Plastic Artist whose creativity transcends conventional limits. Through his lens, he captures the very essence of iconic places around the world, transforming images and textures into authentic masterpieces that resonate with the depth of lived experience.

The work of Alex Funes Lovis is characterized by his ability to fuse the rich visual heritage of the places he has visited with sacred geometric elements, vibrant colors and the mystique of numerology. Each creation is a journey in itself, a bridge between the viewer and the destinations they have explored, a connection that goes beyond the physical and penetrates the emotional and spiritual realms.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: My philosophy as a visual artist, photographer and creator of digital art focuses on the deep search for internal knowledge through sacred geometry. I believe that art has the power to transcend mere intellectual appreciation and can touch people’s hearts and souls in a deep and meaningful way.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, Gustav Klimt, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, William-Adolphe Bouguereau, Antoni Guadi. 

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: In short, living from moment to moment is the most powerful advice I have ever been given in my life.

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you?

A: Exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 is, without a doubt, an opportunity to promote my work and make my artistic talent known on an international stage. It is an invaluable opportunity to present my creativity and personal expression to a diverse audience, connect with other artists and lovers. of art, and take my artistic career to the next level. This experience represents the recognition of my talent and dedication, as well as the opportunity to share my artistic vision with the world.

ALISSA VAN ATTA

Alissa Van Atta is currently based just outside Asheville, NC and is a mixed media painter and ceramist.  Alissa is inspired by texture, nature and unique surface treatments in her abstract artworks. In 2022, sparked by the overturning of Roe v. Wade, figures emerged in her paintings.  Feminist themes are subtly explored with a neo-pop art style inspired from vintage advertising, pin-up girls and commercial art from the 1950s – 1970s.

Alissa has participated in exhibitions and art fairs in the past few years to further expand her exposure across multiple markets. “The most rewarding part is meeting people that are attracted to my work and I get to connect to people over my pieces and the stories behind them.”

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: You may have an idea of what the work may turn into, but allow the art to lead you forward.  The end result may be very different from the initial idea, but letting the art take you on the journey is what I love the most about being an artist.  The impact on my work can be unexpected, but it allows me to grow authentically. 

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: Jean-Michel Basquiat, Eva Hesse, Joan Mitchell, Wilhem de Kooning are just just a few of many.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: Do what you love.  Allow yourself to be vulnerable.

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you?

A: Miami Art Week is such a flurry of art and people that love art.  I’m excited to be a part of it and excited to show my art in front of such a large crowd.

ANASTASIIA KOZLOVA

From childhood, Anastasiia has been drawn to math, geometry, and unseen concepts. Later in her older years searching for life answers esoterics came to her life and she developed a sense of living life through the aesthetics of every day. And in one of the dark moments of her life, she found a glimpse of light in connection with all things through art and expression of beauty, geometry, mystery, and interconnection of all things. That was a touch of higher guidance sending a message to her that we are not alone and always have been guided and protected. And this guidance started to be expressed through sacred geometry.

Her enigmatic artistic journey began as a kaleidoscope of curiosity and exploration. From the very first brushstroke, she fell in love with the beauty and intricacies of sacred geometry. Like a blossoming flower, their artistic path unfolded, guided by patterns, symmetry, and a profound reverence for the hidden mysteries of the universe. She immersed herself in the study of ancient cultures, seeking wisdom from past civilizations that honored and revered the power of sacred geometry. Over time, her artist work transformed into a mesmerizing tapestry of vibrant colors and meticulously crafted shapes.

A: The philosophy behind sacred geometry is all about finding beauty and meaning in the geometric patterns that exist in nature and the universe. It believes that these patterns are not random but hold a sacred, underlying order.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: Nature’s Magic: Taking a close look at the mesmerizing patterns found in flowers, seashells, and even the structure of the universe itself. The Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio are all around us, just waiting to be transformed into sacred geometry art. 

Ancient Wisdom: Diving into the vast knowledge of ancient cultures, like the Egyptians, Mayans, or Greeks, who incorporated sacred geometry into their art, architecture, and religious beliefs.

Meditation and Reflection: Finding stillness within myself and letting my mind wander. Sacred geometry can be a portal to inner peace and spirituality. Exploring the depths of my thoughts and emotions, and translating them into symbolic shapes and patterns.

Music and Sound: Letting the rhythm and melodies guide my creative process. Turning on some inspiring tunes or exploring the harmonious vibrations of specific frequencies. Allow the music to flow through me and influence my artwork. 

Personal Meaning: What aspects of sacred geometry resonate with me on a deeper level? Is it the balance, unity, or complexity? Connecting with the meaning and symbolism that speaks to my soul, and infusing it into my art. The greatest inspiration lies within myself. Trusting my intuition, play with shapes and colors, and let my imagination run wild.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: Probably the best advice I’ve received was to learn to trust yourself and your intuition. Not to be afraid of the unknown. Just calm your mind, come back to yourself and you will find all the answers within. 

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you?

A: The exhibition of my sacred geometry art is a truly special milestone for me! It’s a chance for me to share my unique perspective and expression of sacred geometry with others. I think of it as a magical moment where my art takes on a life of its own, spreading joy, curiosity, and appreciation to those who have the privilege of experiencing it. So, I’m embracing this opportunity with excitement and confidence, knowing that my art has the power to inspire and captivate others. And feel so grateful for this amazing opportunity.

ANDREA BERTHEL

“Within the Square of my canvas, I show the world in a fish can. My artwork is message-oriented. Vibrant colors, humor, and the joy of telling stories lure the observer into a world of its own. My koi express their feelings and state of mind but still keep their fishy appearance.

My artwork draws you in and challenges you to think about society, politics, and culture, about our values and how we implement them. I do not want to scare observers off by negativity, but attract their interest with humor and vibrant colors and let them discover what I am trying to express.

The initial idea runs like an undercurrent through my subconscious until it has matured and can be put down in a rough sketch to determine formal design, light, and shadow. I start to fill in the details, elaborating fish portrayals, often including some funny eye-catchers. The process is fluid and new ideas are included. I paint in oils and cover the canvas with one first layer, deciding upon color and illumination. Then the long process of putting on more thin layers of paint, thus intensifying color and volume, begins.

My work is a constant search to express my ideas about the world I live in, the statement oscillating in the polarity between joy, laughter, anger, and sadness.”

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: I am concerned about the world I live in and my themes are political, philosophical, social, cultural, etc. The ideas of how to express those themes pop into my mind at 4 or 5 a.m. For example in the “American Dream, “ the koi close to their leader are white, the ones in the less advantaged places, squeezed under the lid are darker, red, and black and not well equipped (rifles). It shows white supremacy and racism. The pledge to defend democracy is counter-phrased by the halo of automatic rifles and guns around the president’s head. With the koi in cans, I can criticize with humor and irony, with vibrant colors and high technical quality.

“If my art has nothing to do with people’s pain and sorrow, what is art for?”

“I think art is a very important weapon to achieve human freedom.”

Those quotes from Ai Weiwei say what my motivation for painting is.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: Artists like Caravaggio, Tiepolo, Veronese, Velasquez, and Goya inspired me. I love to study their multi-layered meaningful compositions, the way they handle light and shadow, and how they achieve depth and volume. I admire the sense of Humor Banksy and the stark impact of Ai Weiwei’s concert hall pillars in Berlin wrapped in swim vests.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: “You don’t have to please anybody, but yourself!” (my husband). So I paint what I have to „say“, not looking on easy sales or  mainstream art.”

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you?

A: The Art Scene in America is very lively and diverse. It was such a pleasure to attend finally (waiting 3 years) the ArtExpo New York earlier. The positive and encouraging feedback was great. On top of that PopArt belongs to the cultural self-image of Americans. I feel at home in your country and to show my art at Spectrum Miami is a great honor to me.

ANTOINE ART

Antoine de Villiers (South African, 1977) is one of life’s travelers and blessed with an artist’s soul. Antoine works in many mediums, yet, there is always something quintessential of her throughout the core of her work, like a wick in a candle drawing her creations out. During a difficult childhood as a daughter of parents struggling with mental illness, Antoine was in a devastating motorcycle accident that claimed the life of her friend/driver. Days later, the diary she kept meticulously for years was stolen and she lost her medium of expression. It is then that Antoine found her artistic voice and art became a means of survival.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: I want my work to be visceral, honest, and vulnerable. Early in my career, I was drawn to the human figure as my world came crashing down amid my struggle with severe depression. I found exploring the complexities of human emotion freeing and using the subject of the figure as a means of expression. While I felt emotionally and physically out of control, my work became autobiographical and gave me much-needed relief. Philosopher Alain de Botton said that art can ‘help us to be less lonely’ and that is exactly the role it played in my life. My figures are nude, as that is the most honest and vulnerable we can be. They are usually anonymous to help empathize with the emotion captured rather than the identity of the subject. But ultimately, as William Kentridge aptly noted, no matter what subject you choose, it will always be a self-portrait.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

I love art and can never get enough of it. From old masters like da Vinci and Turner. Modernists like O’Keeffe and Hepworth, but most of all, contemporary artists like Jenny Saville, Harry Paul Ally and Yulia Bas.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: “Turn your pain into purpose”

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you?

A: I had the privilege to exhibit at Spectrum Miami in 2021. It marked the ‘relaunch’ of my career -not long after my return to the US after living in India for 5 years and teaching art to children living in slums and brothels. This year I’m grateful to be able to return to Miami once again and I’m very excited. I believe my work has grown and I can’t wait to show 20 new pieces never exhibited before.

BRINTON FARRAND

Brinton Farrand is from Indianapolis, Indiana. He received a teaching degree from Purdue University and a Master’s in Art Education from DePauw University. He taught High School Art and Photography for over 30 years, and while teaching he was the recipient of a Lilly Endowment Grant. He studied classical realism at Studio Escalier in France for three months with Timothy Stotz and Michelle Tully. After retiring, he studied painting at Herron Art School in Indianapolis with Professor Marc Jacobson and independently with artist David Slonim. He continually expands his skills through classes and experimenting in his studio and enjoys presenting in multiple shows and venues where he can talk to the public about his work.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: As a young man, I competed in High School and College Wrestling. To succeed and be the best, I drilled, practiced, and trained relentlessly.  I took that work ethic into my teaching and coaching career.  When I retired from teaching, I might say I ‘refired’ myself into a successful artist. I explore myself and the world around me, using new tools and techniques. My goal is to continuously learn from the past artists as well as the new artists of the 21^st century.  I enjoy storytelling and searching for creativity; that is what I enjoy most in my life.  After all, those who are creative and can improvise, adapt, and overcome will succeed in this new age.

My work philosophy is to paint or draw every day. I love drawing with pen and ink. The power of a single line can tell so much of the story of a painting.  Color and contrasting through colors is my favorite aspect to work on.  Color and line work continue to be central themes.  A few years ago I saw an artist using dribbled layers of color and decided to experiment with it.  Each color has a different characteristic of dribble. The line can be fat or thin and the paint may drip fast or slow.  Dribbling has taught me to make mistakes and be freer with my painting.  It has evolved into something unique.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: Camille Pissarro – He painted every day and was not afraid to explore new styles as they came along.

Van Gogh – A painter who was strongly influenced by color.

Edgar Degas – An artist trying to capture motion with his dancers.

Salvador Dali – He is my favorite because of his technical skill and he was not afraid to explore art in any direction.

Johannes Vermeer – I like how easily he portrayed the effect of light on a subject.

Eduardo Kobra – He is my newest inspiration, a Brazilian street artist known for his use of vibrant colors.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

• Find the best, copy what the best are doing, and then “plus” it.
• Do not wait for inspiration. Amateurs wait for inspiration, the rest of us get up and get to work. 
• Do not think when you paint.

When I am not painting you can find me walking outside in nature each morning. I enjoy sitting and listening to music as I observe the seasons changing.  The absolute best thing is to sit in a bar and watch people, yet even then my sketchbook is out to catch the moment.

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you?

A: To be involved in Art Basel/Miami Week – the biggest art festival in the world – is truly exciting.  Even before participating, we came to Miami to see the art and be inspired.  My favorite venue was Spectrum because the artists seemed to be the friendliest of all the venues, very eager to explain their work and share their thoughts.  To be surrounded by so many talented artists and friends is truly inspiring and a great learning experience.

CHRISTINE LAUBACH

Christine is a passionate painter from the US, Eastern Shore of Maryland. Born in Washington DC she has always had a deep connection with art. As the youngest of 7 she was influenced by the Artists and Scientists in her family. She fell in love with ice skating and spent countless hours creating magical patterns on the ice. Now as a visual artist she paints intricate patterns reconnecting with that sense of magic and wonder. Driven by compassion, she pursued a career as a Trauma Operating Room Nurse, plastics, reconstructive and craniofacial specialist, where she witnessed the resilience of human spirit firsthand. Painting became a bridge that allowed her to express her creativity and bring healing to those who have experienced trauma including herself.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: My “Why” is clear. I want to share the meditative and transformative powers of art universally. My art is a vessel for healing, a source of inspiration, and a reminder that beauty can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances. I create, explore, and touch lives through my art. With every brushstroke, I invite others to embark on their own transformative journey, reminding them that art has the power to heal, transform, and ignite the spark of hope within their souls. My paintings are a reflection of my journey- the resilience and perseverance to stand in the face of adversity, abstracting the beauty I discover in unexpected places, and the depth of my emotions. These paintings tell the story of love, loss, and the indomitable spirit that resides in all of us. Each piece is a testament to the power of following one’s passion, even when life takes unexpected turns. But the journey doesn’t stop there. I realize my art has the potential to touch lives and make a difference. With a compassionate heart, I use my skills to help others to heal and transform. I offer breast cancer survivors and people living with all types of scars a unique form of support. I create intricate camouflage and 3-D tattoos specifically designed to help reclaim their bodies and embrace their scars as symbols of strength and resilience. Through my art these individuals are empowered to embrace new beginnings in their journey of healing.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: Rembrandt, Rubens, Johnathan Lasker, Joan Mitchell, Gerhard Richter, Chagall, Kandinsky, Pollock, Susan Caporael, and more.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Imagination is the language of the soul. Pay attention to your imagination and you will discover all you need to be fulfilled.” -Albert Einstein

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you?

A: I’m looking forward to this opportunity to share my work on a large scale in one of the most exciting shows of the year! This means connecting with people who are seeking to collect original art where the experience, the story, and vision inspire them. Meeting buyers, collectors, other artists, and aspiring artists will give rise to future collaborations.

The post Spectrum Miami Artists to Watch, Part 1 appeared first on Art Business News.