TEFAF New York 2018: High-End Art Amid Frieze's Decline

The 2018 spring edition of TEFAF New York, held at the Armory on Park Avenue, showcased a strong contemporary focus, positioning itself as a rival to Frieze. While galleries exercised caution due to market prudence, the fair maintained high quality with notable stands. Hauser & Wirth featured a major Philip Guston; Skarstedt presented works by Martin Kippenberger, Richard Prince, and Cindy Sherman; Sean Kelly displayed Joseph Kosuth (present at the opening) in dialogue with Mondrian, plus Antony Gormley and José Dávila; Gladstone offered dual solos by Amy Sillman and Andrew Lord; and David Zwirner showed red works by Josef Albers alongside Giorgio Morandi paintings (starting at $1.2 million). The fair's success contrasts with Frieze's perceived crisis—inconvenient location on Randall's Island, poor organization—leading to rumors that Frieze may move to Los Angeles. TEFAF New York also features floral installations reminiscent of its Maastricht parent fair.