Independent Art Fair Moves to Pier 36, Goes Global

The Independent art fair has relocated to Pier 36 on the Lower East Side for its 17th edition, running through May 17. The fair now features 76 booths and a more cosmopolitan, international feel compared to its previous hyperlocal downtown editions at Spring Street Studios in Tribeca. The venue offers a more spacious, airy environment. The fair has recently announced partnerships with Sotheby's for its 20th-century edition moving to the Marcel Breuer building, and with Henry Street Settlement. Notable booths include SGR Gallery (Bogotá) presenting Johan Samboní's exploration of the 'colonial wound'; i8 Gallery (Reykjavík) featuring Arna Óttarsdóttir's hand-woven works; Abattoir (Cleveland) with Eleanor Conover's hybrid painting-sculptures; Sea View (Los Angeles) showing William Wright's intimate canvases; The Breeder (Athens) exhibiting works by the late Alexandra Christou; and Tomio Koyama Gallery (Tokyo) presenting Rika Minamitani's fantastical paintings. The fair's opening night on May 14 drew hundreds of attendees. Critics note a tamer, more respectable energy compared to previous years.