At Art Fairs, Keep an Open Mind, but Watch the Wallet
“We have one of the largest galleries in New York,
and we do all the things we’re supposed to do,” said Sean Kelly, a gallery owner who represents about 30 artists, including Kehinde Wiley, who painted former President Barack Obama’s portrait and will have a booth at the Amory Show.
Thaddaeus Ropac, who operates five galleries in Europe, said he often used fairs to
highlight different works by an artist he was showing in one of his galleries.
The David Zwirner Gallery, with spaces in New York, London and now Hong Kong, will show and sell work at 20 fairs around the world this year.
“The important thing is, you always treat art fairs like a show,” Mr. Ropac said.
On the other hand, he said, “if you see something good and like it, jump on it before it’s gone.”
It’s those types of conflicting emotions that make fairs exciting but also risky for buyers prone to quick decisions.
