As New York’s fortnight of art fairs draws to a close, the 15th edition of Independent breathes fresh air into the city’s art scene. Taking place at Tribeca’s Spring Studios through May 12th, the stylish fair welcomed throngs of guests at 11 a.m. on its VIP day Thursday. This year marks Independent’s most expansive and ambitious fair yet, featuring 89 galleries, some 37 of which are making their debut.
Independent maintains a solid reputation, and much of its enduring appeal can be attributed to an inclusive approach advocated by its founder, Elizabeth Dee. A fixture in New York’s art scene and a former gallery owner, Dee has increasingly embraced a hands-on role as the fair continues to expand.
“I’m the gallerist of the galleries,” Dee told Artsy on the rooftop minutes into the fair’s opening. “They’re my artists. They are the talent. I believe that they have a vision. And I believe that some of the artists that they are getting behind are going to ascend.”
For Dee, Independent has evolved into a platform to propel young artists and galleries into a broader conversation that brings in an enthusiastic and informed crowd of exhibitors, curators, and collectors. Rather than creating separate sections for emerging galleries, Independent opts for a flattened approach, where galleries of all levels exhibit alongside each other.
