ARCOmadrid 2021: Art Fair Navigates Pandemic with 209 Galleries and NFT Sale

ARCOmadrid's 40th edition ran from July 7-11, 2021, at IFEMA Madrid, aiming to reactivate the art market post-pandemic. The fair featured 209 galleries from 30 countries, matching its 2020 pre-pandemic count, with 15 Latin American participants. Daily visitor numbers were limited, with the first three days reserved for collectors and professionals. Baró Galeria, with branches in Lisbon, Madrid, and São Paulo, was the sole Brazilian representative, presenting works by Sidival Fila. The gallery also sold an NFT work, Tree Hash (2021) by Solimán López, to the foundation El Secreto de la Filantropía. López noted collector apprehension about NFTs beyond speculation. The Remitente section, curated by Mariano Mayer, showcased 19 Latin American artists from 15 galleries. Despite quality exhibits, sales were lower than previous editions, with a focus on established, often older male artists. The fair's 2022 edition is scheduled for February 23-27 at IFEMA. ARCOlisboa will occur September 16-19, 2021, with 71 galleries from 17 countries at Doca de Pedrouços.