The Armory Show 2014: Critical Observations on Booths, Chinese Art, and Market Transparency

The Armory Show 2014 presented a mix of critical reception and notable artworks across various gallery booths. Almine Rech's booth featured Mark Hagan's exquisite abstract quilt-like patterned paintings, though gallery directors were described as unhelpful. Presenhuber's booth included an installation of pinecones arranged in a triangle and a small Ugo Rondinone candle on the floor, alongside Douglas Gordon's mirrored c-prints breaking down a male body into parts. White Space Shanghai displayed a large painting depicting skinny Asian men in Calvin Klein underwear, evoking 1990s gay rave aesthetics. The 'Armory Focus' section highlighted contemporary Chinese art, which blended seamlessly with other booths due to its global appearance. In the 'Armory Presents' section for younger galleries, Athr Gallery from Jeddah showcased Ahmed Mater's videos and photographs documenting Mecca's rapid transformation into a religious Disneyland. The fair atmosphere reflected resignation about art fairs' commercial nature, with galleries transparently selling paintings, photographs, and sculptures easily transportable in SUVs, avoiding digital mediums or elaborate curatorial themes. Observers noted a dignity in this cash-driven transparency, despite widespread criticism of art fairs as a poor way to experience art.