2006 Armory Show Critiqued for Aesthetic Quality Despite Record $62M Sales
The 2006 New York Armory Show took place from March 10 to 13 at Piers 90 and 92, attracting over 47,000 visitors and generating sales exceeding $62 million, a rise from $45 million the year before. While Parisian galleries showcased impressive works, critics remarked on a perceived drop in aesthetic standards compared to earlier editions, pointing to underwhelming displays from artists such as Callum Innes and Anish Kapoor. Noteworthy pieces included works by Aaron Curry, Benjamin Edwards, and Sylvia Plimack Mangold, along with a focus on sexuality through the art of Agnes Thurnauer and Hanna Wilke. The fair also highlighted "Postmodern Minimalism" and featured photography prominently, although political commentary was sparse, with Christoph Büchel's video being a notable exception. The review raised questions about the effectiveness of art fairs in preserving quality.
Key facts
- The 2006 New York Armory Show took place March 10-13 at Piers 90 and 92.
- Sales totaled over $62 million, up from $45 million the previous year.
- Attendance exceeded 47,000 collectors, critics, and curators.
- The fair was criticized for aesthetic quality despite financial success.
- Notable artists featured included Callum Innes, Anish Kapoor, and Julian Opie.
- Parisian galleries like Galerie Frank Elbaz were highlighted for strong presentations.
- The theme artist was John Wesley, known for sexual send-ups.
- Video works were shown at a separate DIVA venue in Lower Manhattan.
Entities
Artists
- Aaron Curry
- Agnes Thurnauer
- Alex Katz
- Anish Kapoor
- Benjamin Edwards
- Callum Innes
- Changha Hwang
- Christoph Büchel
- Dan Walsh
- Daniel Buren
- Davide Balula
- Eva Hesse
- Fred Eerdekens
- Gabi Trinkaus
- Gary Hill
- Hanna Wilke
- Harland Miller
- Isaac Julien
- Jacob Dahlgren
- Jeremy Gilbert-Rolfe
- John Wesley
- Julian Opie
- Mark Rothko
- Milton Avery
- Olivier Babin
- Rodney Graham
- Stephen Westfall
- Sylvia Plimack Mangold
- Terence Koh
- Thomas Nozkowski
- Tony Feher
- Valerie Hegarty
- William Copley
- Wolfgang Staehle
- Andy Warhol
- Andre
- Breton
- Chuck Close
- Dan Flavin
- David Warren
- Donald Judd
- Duchamp
- Elvis Presley
- Erasmus
- Flavin
- Georgio Morandi
- Hans Hofmann
- Jackson Pollock
- Judd
- Manet
- Mondrian
- Poe
- Pollock
- Rothko
Institutions
- 303 Gallery
- ADAA
- Alexander and Bonin
- Art Basel/Miami
- Armory Show
- D'Amelio Terras
- David Kordansky Gallery
- DIVA
- Donald Young Gallery
- Galerie Frank Elbaz
- Galerie Ghislaine Hussenot
- Galería Marta Cervera
- Galleria Continua
- Galleri Charlotte Lund
- Georg Kargl
- Greenberg Van Doren Gallery
- Guild & Greyshkul Gallery
- Lisson Gallery
- Maccarone, Inc.
- Max Protech
- Metro Pictures
- Nolan/Eckman Gallery
- Paula Cooper
- Peres Projects
- Postmasters Gallery
- Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, Inc.
- Spencer Brownstone
- White Cube/Jay Jopling
- artcritical
- Folies-Bergère
- Graceland
- Penguin Books
- Union City
- The Armory Show
Locations
- New York City
- United States
- New York
- Paris
- France
- Lower Manhattan
- Union City, New Jersey
- 67th Street Armory
- Piers 90 and 92
- 12th Avenue
- 50 Street
- 52 Street
- Iran