Plan B Art Fair Emerges in Chelsea After Volta Cancellation
In 2019, the Volta art fair was called off because of safety issues at the West Side piers in New York. This led former exhibitors to create an alternative event called Plan B, which ran from March 6-9, 2019, across two Chelsea locations: the David Zwirner Gallery at 525 West 19th Street and the former Paula Cooper Gallery at 534 West 21st Street. The original Volta organizers chose not to relocate, prompting this grassroots effort that skipped traditional art fair norms. The layout was designed for flexible exhibitor spaces, fostering unique interpretations of the art. Notable works included Takiru Shiferaw's Money (Cardi B), Alaina Simone Incorporated's USNEA: Material/Form Test, and others, making it stand out during Armory Week.
Key facts
- Plan B was a pop-up art fair held March 6-9, 2019 in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood
- It was created as an alternative after the Volta art fair's cancellation due to West Side piers structural issues
- Locations included 525 West 19th Street (David Zwirner Gallery) and 534 West 21st Street (former Paula Cooper Gallery)
- Volta organizers declined to relocate, citing brand image concerns
- The fair eliminated traditional partitions, VIP lounges, and overpriced refreshments
- Featured artists included Takiru Shiferaw, Tahir Carl Karmali, Frodo Mikkelsen, Dumitru Gorzo, and Okeksiy Sai
- Participating galleries included Alaina Simone Incorporated, SFA Projects, Slag Gallery, and Voloshyn Gallery
- The event was noted for its minimalist approach and rapid organization during Armory Week
Entities
Artists
- Takhiru Shiferaw
- Tahir Carl Karmali
- Frodo Mikkelsen
- Dumitru Gorzo
- Okeksiy Sai
- Chapman Brothers
- Francis Bacon
- Goya
Institutions
- Plan B
- Volta
- David Zwirner Gallery
- Paula Cooper Gallery
- Alaina Simone Incorporated
- SFA Projects
- Slag Gallery
- Voloshyn Gallery
Locations
- New York City
- United States
- Chelsea
- West Side piers
- 525 West 19th Street
- 534 West 21st Street
- Kyiv
- Ukraine