Independent Art Fair's Dante-Inspired Debut at Former Dia Space
The Independent art fair launched in New York, occupying the former Dia Art Foundation building. The fair, described as 'part consortium, part collective,' was founded by gallerists Elizabeth Dee (X Initiative, New York) and Darren Flook (Hotel, London). A neon sign by Paris-based collective Claire Fontaine, reading 'ABANDON HOPE ALL YE WHO ENTER,' greeted visitors, evoking Dante's Divine Comedy. The fair's narrative journeyed through 1960s art history as shaped by the institution that defined modern art.
Key facts
- Independent art fair launched in New York
- Occupied former Dia Art Foundation building
- Founded by Elizabeth Dee and Darren Flook
- Claire Fontaine created neon sign referencing Dante
- Fair described as 'part consortium, part collective'
- Narrative focused on 1960s art history
- Elizabeth Dee associated with X Initiative, New York
- Darren Flook associated with Hotel, London
Entities
Artists
- Claire Fontaine
- Andy Warhol
- Dan Flavin
- John Chamberlain
- Karen Bookatz
Institutions
- Independent art fair
- Dia Art Foundation
- X Initiative
- Hotel
- Independent Art Fair
Locations
- New York
- Paris
- London