Armory Show 2021 Debuts at Javits Center with Spacious New Layout and American Focus
The 27th edition of the Armory Show opened on September 9, 2021 at the Javits Center in midtown Manhattan, marking a new location and September dates for the first time. The fair featured 212 galleries, 157 in person and the rest online via Armory Online. The new venue, previously used as a field hospital and vaccination center during COVID-19, allowed for spacious, uncrowded viewing. European participation was limited due to US travel restrictions; exceptions included Massimo De Carlo (the only Italian gallery) and Stephen Friedman Gallery, which obtained a National Interest Exception. American galleries dominated, with newcomers like Southern Comfort Gallery (SOCO) from Charlotte, North Carolina, presenting a solo booth of Clare Rojas that was named in Artsy's top 10. Sales were distributed evenly across the fair days rather than concentrated on previews. Notable artists included Betye Saar, Jeffrey Gibson, and Luisa Rabbia. The fair also introduced Armory Off-Site, a public art program in collaboration with New York City.
Key facts
- The Armory Show 2021 was the 27th edition and first post-COVID.
- It took place at the Javits Center in midtown Manhattan from September 9, 2021.
- 212 galleries participated: 157 in person, the rest online via Armory Online.
- The Javits Center was previously used as a field hospital and vaccination center.
- European galleries were largely absent due to US travel restrictions.
- Massimo De Carlo was the only Italian gallery present.
- Stephen Friedman Gallery obtained a National Interest Exception to attend.
- Southern Comfort Gallery (SOCO) from Charlotte, NC debuted with Clare Rojas.
- Sales were distributed across all fair days, not just previews.
- Armory Off-Site public art program launched in collaboration with New York City.
Entities
Artists
- Betye Saar
- Clare Rojas
- Jeffrey Gibson
- Luisa Rabbia
- Wadsworth Jarrell
- Paula Rego
- Juan Capistrán
- Tomokazu Matsuyama
- Adam Parker Smith
- Carolina Caycedo
- Gerald Chukwuma
- Jose Dávila
- Luzene Hill
- Myles Nurse
- Carolyn Salas
- Carla Acevedo-Yates
- Tobias Ostrander
Institutions
- Armory Show
- Javits Center
- Massimo De Carlo
- Stephen Friedman Gallery
- Southern Comfort Gallery (SOCO)
- Roberts Project
- Peter Blum Gallery
- David Nolan Gallery
- Steve Turner Gallery
- Artsy
- Frieze
- Art Basel
- The Shed
- CURRO
- Kavi Gupta
- The Hole
- Instituto de Visión
- Times Square Arts
- Galleria Kristin Hjellegjerde
- Sean Kelly
- K Art
- Half Gallery
- Mrs.
- Abortion on Demand
- Artribune
- Frieze New York
- Hudson Yards
- Frederick Fisher and Partners
- Artlogic
- Alfonso Artiaco
- Galleria Millan
- Proyectos Ultravioleta
- Cardi Gallery
- Perrotin
- Almine Rech
- David Zwirner
- Pace
- Gagosian
- Hauser & Wirth
- Lisson
- White Cube
Locations
- New York City
- Manhattan
- Javits Center
- Chelsea
- Charlotte
- North Carolina
- London
- Miami
- Los Angeles
- United States
- Europe
- New York
- Crystal Palace
- Bella Abzug Park
- Flatiron Plaza
- Ruth Wittenberg Triangle
- Times Square
- US Open
- Portugal
- The Shed
- Hudson Yards
- Midtown Manhattan
- Naples
- Italy
- São Paulo
- Brazil
- Guatemala City
- Guatemala
- Milan
- United Kingdom
- Paris
- France
- Hong Kong
- China
- Seoul
- South Korea
- Tokyo
- Japan
- Shanghai
- Brussels
- Belgium