Innovative Artists at Artexpo NY
By Sandra Tyler, Editor-in-Chief
April 16th, I attended the annual Arts Expo in New York City, over on Pier 94. For 38 years, the Art Expo has presented itself as a focal point for artists each spring in the big apple. Over the course of four days, literally thousands flock to the pier to see this show, from art industry insiders to the general public appreciative of all art mediums. This year the Expo showcased 400+ artists from around the world. The majority of exhibitors were gallery represented–and that’s where I found the show overwhelming. I could see how art dealers and interior designers might be better equipped to scan the booths for what they were seeking. But as an individual interested primarily in a day of perusing art, I found the section reserved for “solo” artists the most rewarding.
The solo artists for the most part are established artists with gallery affiliations but not direct representation; they were there to represent themselves, and their works spanned a wide and interesting spectrum of mediums, from acrylic and oil on panels of wood blocks, to truly vibrant photography of mineral water droplets; recycled torn canvases; and a Marilyn Monroe portrait made of tiny rolled-up paper tubes, by Vinita Dasgupta :
One of my most interesting encounters was with GL Wood, a fashion photographer who turned to collage when he began tearing up some of his old photographs. He just recently made a foray into 3D, with this work, a mannequin painted and meticulously plastered with torn comic strips:
You can see some of his collages in the background which will be featured in June’s issue of The Woven Tale Press (yes, I am a peruser of art but foremost an editor always seeking out new artists to feature in the Press).
And Marketa Sivek– her works in oil are fascinating in that she seems to have two series going at once, and each as if painted by an entirely different temperament. One by someone more interested in attention to minutia:
The other by someone less exacting, leaning far toward the abstract expressionistic:
Other highlights (and huge attractions) were demonstrations. Or rather, artists at work. I commend their ability to block out their audience and actually create something thoughtfully:
This was a fun installation piece that was started at the beginning of the day:
And by the time I left four hours later, was near completion:
For more information about the Expo or to get on their mailing list, go to www.artexponewyork.com. It’s as much an experience as it is a show–don’t expect or even try to visit all 400 booths, unless you go back over consecutive days. But even that might seem a bit much. Rather, do just that, peruse: stop if something catches your eye as you meander down the many aisles, but leave yourself the freedom to just move on. And take a break for one of their ongoing educational series, featuring panels of artists to question and answer sessions about how best to sell your art. All in all, the Expo is a wonderful escape from your to-do list and immersion in art from all around the globe, all in one place.