From today through Monday, November 16, Modernism and ART20, two fairs organized by Sanford L. Smith & Associates, join forces at the Park Avenue Armory.
Modernism: Centuries of Style and Design was the first fair devoted to the major European and American design movements of the 20th century. Modernism is still the setting where this market is defined and redefined every year. A selection of the finest international dealers will exhibit and sell museum‐quality prototypes and rare pieces of furniture, glass, lighting, silver and other decorative objects in the traditions of Art Deco, Scandinavian, Arts and Crafts, Wiener Werkstätte, Postmodern, the 50’s 60’s and 70’s. In recent years, examples of rare contemporary design that advance the spirit of Modernism have also made their way to the show floor.
ART20 offers visitors a choice survey of the 20th and 21st centuries through paintings, sculpture, prints and photography from movements including Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Hard Edge and Social Realism. Despite its wide scope and sophisticated quality, the young fair has also been praised for its intimate feel and accessibility.
Since the two fairs have always celebrated the same time periods in distinct ways, the combination promises an
excellent opportunity to catch the aesthetic dialogue between art and design of the last century.
The combined fair brings together a select roster of sixty international dealers. Among these participants will be several returning Modernism dealers. Modernity (Stockholm) will exhibit vintage twentieth century design, particularly from the postwar period. This year their booth will feature a very rare “Danish chair” by Garrit Rietveld. Mark McDonald (Hudson, NY), one of the pioneers in this market, will bring a collection of Art Smith and Margaret De Patta jewelry and will also feature a Frank Lloyd Wright metal rolling office chair from the Johnson Wax Building in his booth. Good Design (New York) brings twentieth century furniture and decorative arts, this year including a rare original painted glass top console by Guglielmo Ulrich and an exquisite chandelier by Carlo Scarpa. Didier Antiques (London), with jewelry and silver designed by twentieth century artists, designers, sculptors, architects and painters, will include a comb by Alexander Calder and a necklace by Louise Bourgeois among their highlights. Macklowe Gallery (New York) is back in the fair after a brief hiatus and will bring French Art Nouveau, Tiffany Studios lamps and antique jewelry. Also returning are: Glass Past (New York) with Italian glass from 1860 ‐ 1960, Moderne Gallery (Philadelphia, PA) with fine examples of Nakashima, Esherick, Castle, French and American Art Deco; and Katy Kane (New Hope, PA) with twentieth century couture and vintage clothing and accessories.
MODERNISM + ART20 at the Park Avenue Armory at 67th Street runs from November 13 – 16, 2009. Hours are: Friday, noon – 8pm; Saturday and Sunday, noon – 7pm; and Monday noon – 5pm. Admission is $20 daily or $30 for a two‐day pass. A catalog is included with admission. Contact info@sanfordsmith.com or 212.777.5218 for more details.
