Independent Art Fair 2014: A Critical Review of the New York Event

The Independent Art Fair 2014 in New York was reviewed by ArtReview contributors Brienne Walsh and David Everitt Howe, who questioned the fair's 'independent' label despite its upscale setting. Held in a historic building with natural light and architectural design, the fair featured exhibitors like Nagel Draxler, which showed Stefan Müller's paintings that changed appearance under shifting light. Gavin Brown's booth included a work by Nick Relph with stanchions and Frances Stark's Instagram-based photographs, where Stark commented on her social media presence. Other notable participants included John Bock at Sprüth Magers, where a performance involved a chainsaw, and artists like Daniele Balice at Balice and Hertling, Janice Guy at Murray Guy, and Matthew Higgs. Dealers such as those at Maccarone were criticized for being unhelpful, with one offering to be a 'checklist'. Works on view included Hans Arp statues at Michael Werner Gallery and Calder-inspired mobiles at Andrew Kreps, while Pae White's paper cut-outs were displayed at Kaufmann Repetto. The fair's intimate scale allowed many artists to be present, contrasting with larger events like the Armory Show, though the overall atmosphere was described as tasteful and potentially too refined.