Fine art is sometimes seen as the preserve of the wealthy and elite however the Affordable Art Fair in New York aims to change this perception and highlight that anyone can enjoy art regardless of their income. The spring edition of the popular fair is set to take place between April 18th and 22nd and promises to showcase a host of new artists and galleries. This year will see the artwork of Etsuko Montgomery, Auguste Garufi, Fernando Herenu and David Rhys Jones on display. A highlight is likely to be the introduction of new pieces by famed artist Damien Hirst, whose never-before-seen woodcut spot prints will be on display. Founder of Manifold Editions which will be exhibiting Hirst’s work, James Booth-Clibborn, told Art Daily: “Damien Hirst is now recognised as a global star and it is a privilege to be able to premiere substantial but affordable new work on our first US appearance, and to introduce these works to New York collectors.”
As well as exhibitions from artists from across the globe, there are also a number of programs being held across the event aimed at widening people’s knowledge of art. Talks include Fair Game on April 21st which looks back at ten years of the Affordable Art Fair and the impact it has had on emerging artists as well as Maria Brito: The Art of “Living with Art” on April 20th which will see the interior designer discussing how to transform spaces into works of art. Since the concept was founded in 1999 Affordable Art Fairs now take place all across the globe with events in Milan, Brussels, Amsterdam, Mexico City and Singapore.
Following the New York edition, the next event is in Bristol, UK, between May 18th and 20th while Melbourne’s edition is slightly later that month, starting on May 24th. For those living near any of the Affordable Art Fairs taking place this spring, they can provide a great opportunity to pick up a unique piece, without a massive price tag. As founder Will Ramsay says: “Buying art can provide a lifetime of enjoyment and inspiration and no one should miss this opportunity!”