In New York, all eyes are on TEFAF. The European Fine Art Fair is returning IRL for the first time since March 2020 – the last edition was held in the fair’s hometown of Maastricht just before lockdowns struck, and its comeback heralds a joyous reminder of what life once was. 2022 marks several significant birthdays – TEFAF’s 35th anniversary, and ten years of their Museum Restoration Fund.
91 distinguished galleries from around the world will participate, presenting modern and contemporary art, jewellery, antiquities, and design. “We’re thrilled to open our doors again in New York, welcoming guests to an immersive and profound art experience,” said Charlotte van Leerdam, Managing Director of TEFAF. “With world-class dealers, and museum-quality material at every turn, this edition of the fair will continue TEFAF’s legacy in promoting unparalleled quality and prestige across the artistic landscape.” The Creative Spaces is set to be star of the show, featuring pieces by Anselm Kiefer, Duane Hanson and the late Carmen Herrera, but there’s’ plenty for the culturally curious to look out for: “Gorilles de Pierre” by François-Xavier Lalanne will be a key piece off the back of the recent announcement of the Sotheby’s sale and joint exhibition across Ben Brown Fine Arts and Claridge’s ArtSpace, as will the bronze bust “Barthélémy Senghor” by art world darling Kehinde Wiley.
Maybe art fairs are like buses – after such a long hiatus, the next edition will be in June in Maastrich with 19 new additions. Get those walking shoes on and book a plane ticket, it looks like in person is back for good.
Art can be a reflection of how we see the world; it can also open our eyes to new ways of seeing. The Barbican’s new exhibition Our Time on Earth aims to walk you through this shift in consciousness physically, starting with the idea of Belonging, moving through Imagining, before you Engage. Intrigued? That’s step one.
Our Time on Earth wants to transform the conversation around the impending climate emergency through art by encouraging visitors to take an active role in the exhibition. You’ll enter into Sanctuary of the Unseen Forest by digital art collective Marshmallow Laser Feast, an immersive video installation offering a window into “tree time”. After contemplating humanity’s role as just one species among millions, it’s on to IMAGINE, presenting alternative value systems, with installations from Superflux; Brazilian intersectional Indigenous-led collective Selvagem; Symbiocene; Institute of Digital Fashion; environmental activist George Monbiot, and more. Revved up with possibility (think creative potential, not cars!) ENGAGE offers ways to get involved with creating this new utopia. Don’t miss Sonic Waterfall, the sound and light installation by Silent Studios inspired by their work with Damon Albarn on his solo album The Nearer The Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flows.
The exhibition will take over the whole centre, with free interactive and digital exhibits presented in the Barbican’s public spaces and live events set to be announced. Running until the end of August, why not drop in as an escape from that unseasonably warm summer sun… Will you leave feeling inspired to make a change?
