September New York Art Week Can’t Miss Fairs!

Artist to Watch: Raoul Dufy

Nahmed Contemporary’s solo survey of Raoul Dufy is not to be missed. This luminary of early 20th century French art, carved out a distinguished place among the modern masters during his lifetime. Born in Normandy in 1877 and active until his death in 1953, Dufy's artistic journey took him from the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris to the sun-drenched landscapes of southern France. His work resonated with the Fauvist movement, and he shared representation with titans like Matisse and Picasso under the auspices of gallerist Louis Carré. Dufy's accolades included the grand prize for painting at the Venice Biennale, and his exuberant style left an indelible mark on visual culture, perhaps most charmingly evident in Ludwig Bemelmans' beloved children's book "Madeline."

Dufy's artistic evolution was marked by his embrace of "plein air" painting, a practice that led him to develop his innovative "couleur-lumière" theory, which distributed light across the canvas through radiant color. While he is often remembered for his Fauvist-inspired seascapes and vibrant depictions of leisure-seeking crowds from the early 1900s—works that continue to command premium prices in the art market—Dufy defies simple categorization.

Artist to Watch: Akea Brionne

Library Street Collective (Booth 425) will have new works by Akea Brionne. Her figurative textile art series, "Swamp Stories," is a captivating exploration of identity, history, and environment. Drawing inspiration from the swamps of Louisiana, her birthplace, Brionne crafts intricate scenes where black female figures stand proudly amidst rising waters. These works are a rich tapestry of mythic and folkloric elements, weaving together the stories and histories of her ancestral home. The artist's skillful integration of Baroque and Renaissance portraiture techniques adds a timeless quality to her pieces, creating a dialogue between past and present that resonates deeply with viewers.

Central to Brionne's work is the theme of persistence - of memories, energies, and lessons passed down through generations. Water, a recurring motif in her art, serves as a powerful metaphor for transformation and migration, simultaneously shaping the land and submerging its history. Through her textile creations, Brionne invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between nature and the unconscious, and how memories embed themselves within our bodies, persisting and evolving over time. Her art serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of environmental adaptation in the face of rapid change, while also honoring the enduring legacy of those who came before us.

Artist to Watch: Marie-Chloe Duval

At the Nicolas Auvray Gallery booth (Stand A03) Duval's latest series, aptly titled "Overthink," presents a striking visual metaphor: androgynous figures clad in crisp white button-up shirts, their heads replaced by vibrant, swirling gas clouds. This series marks a significant departure from her previous work, as Duval has only recently embraced color after six years of working exclusively in black and white. Her newfound palette is rich and nuanced, with a particular inclination towards earthy, neutral tones - reds, yellows, and terra cottas that evoke a sense of warmth and depth.

Among the pieces, a standout work features an expansive blue head, its hue inspired by subtle flecks of blue in the predominantly grey background. This piece, like many others in the series, seems to have been born from the interplay between visual inspiration and musical influence, a testament to the integral role music plays in Duval's creative process.

The Armory Show's sister fair, VOLTA, is set to make its highly anticipated return from September 4 to 8, offering an expansive showcase of over 50 galleries hailing from 18 countries. Since its inception in 2008, this international art fair has been at the forefront of championing emerging artists and galleries from diverse corners of the globe, providing them with invaluable access to key art market capitals. With its extensive global reach, VOLTA has solidified its position as the ultimate destination for art enthusiasts and collectors eager to uncover "What's Next?" in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art. A standout feature of this year's event is the Ukrainian Pavilion, presented in association with Razom. This thought-provoking exhibition showcases esteemed galleries either operating from within the current conflict zone or representing the Ukrainian diaspora, offering a platform for emerging artists from the country.

Artist to Watch: Feros

Feros (Serhii Hrekh), a contemporary Ukrainian artist, has undergone a remarkable artistic evolution. Beginning his career as a graffiti artist in Lviv, Ukraine, Feros gained recognition for his bold use of color and shape, creating murals that told unique stories inspired by personal experiences and societal issues. As his artistry matured, he transitioned from street art to abstract and figurative surrealism, crafting alternate realities that distort familiar forms and offer viewers a unique perspective on the world.

In his poignant installation "Chairs for Friends," Feros employs the evocative symbolism of empty chairs to explore themes of friendship, absence, and memory. These vacant seats serve as powerful metaphors for individuals displaced by war, standing as silent reminders of disrupted relationships. Through this work, Feros pays tribute to the enduring nature of friendship and cultural ties that persist despite physical separation, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural identity and shared memories. This piece exemplifies Feros's ability to create emotionally resonant art that offers profound commentary on society, culture, and the human condition.