Armory Show 2019: A Flat Edition with Few Surprises

The 25th edition of the Armory Show in New York closed with a general sense of déjà vu. The fair, which celebrated its quarter-century, lacked freshness despite over 50 first-time participating galleries. A last-minute partial venue change caused disruption and discontent. Many galleries presented selections nearly identical to those at recent fairs, and notable absences included Gagosian. Booth designs were mostly traditional and risk-averse. However, a few stands stood out: Alison Jacques Gallery (London) showcased Dorothea Tanning in a clean, museum-like display; The Hole (New York) featured Alex Gardner's faceless figures in a stark white booth; Castelli Gallery (New York) recreated Robert Morris's 1969 installation 'Finch College Project'; Galleria Continua (San Gimignano) highlighted Nari Ward's 'Jacuzzi Bed' (2013); Ronald Feldman Gallery (New York) presented Federico Solmi's dystopian carousel-themed works; Stephen Friedman Gallery (London) dedicated a wall to Mamma Andersson's woodcuts and another to Deborah Roberts' faces; and Pace Prints (New York) exhibited Leonardo Drew's sculptures made from cotton pulp that resemble metal or wood.