Armory Show 2020 Opens Amid COVID-19 Concerns with Curated Sections
On March 5, 2020, the 26th Armory Show commenced in New York amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, featuring 183 exhibitors from 32 nations, with only two galleries opting out. A pavilion along the Hudson River was set aside for curated projects, such as Perspectives by Nora Burnett Abrams, which included 18 galleries showcasing works by Max Ernst, Jasper Johns, and others, alongside photography by Nan Goldin and Weegee. Jamillah James curated Focus, which highlighted 31 exhibitors examining the themes of reality and fiction. Additionally, Platform, overseen by Anne Ellegood, presented seven large-scale satirical pieces. Special projects featured Dawoud Bey's photography and a performance by Jeffrey Gibson. Notable galleries like Bortolami and Gagosian were present, and the fair experienced robust sales on its opening day.
Key facts
- 26th Armory Show opened March 5, 2020 in New York.
- 183 exhibitors from 32 countries participated.
- Two galleries (one Chinese, one from Hong Kong) withdrew due to COVID-19.
- One of two Hudson River pavilions was entirely dedicated to curated projects for the first time.
- Perspectives curated by Nora Burnett Abrams featured 18 galleries with works by Max Ernst, Jasper Johns, Franz Kline, Gerhard Richter, Ed Ruscha, Nan Goldin, Weegee.
- Focus curated by Jamillah James included 31 exhibitors with monographic or two-artist booths.
- Platform curated by Anne Ellegood presented seven large-scale satirical works, including Edward and Nancy Kienholz's The Caddy Court (1986-87).
- Special projects included Dawoud Bey's Harlem U.S.A. 1975-1979 and Jeffrey Gibson's performance at Times Square.
- Major galleries present: Bortolami, Simon Lee, Gagosian, Kasmin.
- Presents section featured 26 galleries under 10 years old.
- Strong sales reported on opening day.
Entities
Artists
- Max Ernst
- Jasper Johns
- Franz Kline
- Gerhard Richter
- Ed Ruscha
- Nan Goldin
- Weegee
- Edward Kienholz
- Nancy Kienholz
- Marnie Weber
- Charlie Billingham
- Dawoud Bey
- Jeffrey Gibson
Institutions
- Armory Show
- Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
- Institute of Contemporary Art Los Angeles
- Bortolami
- Simon Lee
- Gagosian
- Kasmin
- Artribune
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Hudson River
- Times Square
- Harlem
- China
- Hong Kong