10 Best Art Shows And Fairs 2024: From London To New York
Art is many things to many people. An exploration of emotion. A socio-political vehicle of expression. An investment. It can move people in different ways and at the same time bring them together. And there are certain art shows in the calendar that people flock to, so they can catch a glimpse, or purchase, the very best in contemporary works and old classics. We take a look at some stand-out exhibitions and fairs across the UK and US that you simply won’t want to miss.
LONDON ART SHOWS
Michelangelo: The Last Decades, 2 May–28 July 2024
Michelangelo was more than an artist. He thought up highly complex architectural plans, designed new scaffolding structures, painted the Sistine Chapel and personified Florence in his sculpture of David. However, this latest exhibition at the British Museum on the great master of art and invention focuses on the last 30 years of Michelangelo’s remarkable life, when he returned to Rome. Grand architectural projects sit alongside drawings, poems and intimate letters to reveal his personal passions and unbound proficiency.
Yoko Ono Music of the Mind, until 1 September 2024
Many people may only know Yoko Ono as the partner of Beatles legend John Lennon (and may even blame her for the band’s split). However, she was a contemporary artist long before she even met Lennon. And this latest exhibition at the Tate Modern pulls together her most seminal works. It spans seven decades through a whole host of mediums, from scores and performances to objects and giant installations, inviting people to explore their imagination.
Frieze London, 9-13 October 2024
Frieze London is one of the most prominent contemporary art fairs in the world. It takes place every year in Regent’s Park, showcasing leading galleries spanning 46 countries. Last year celebrated the 20th anniversary with new and established artists alike, and this year is set to be just as tantalising. For jet-setters, there’s also Frieze Los Angeles, which happened at the beginning of the year, Frieze New York in May, and Frieze Seoul in September. There’s simply no reason to miss out.
PAD London, 8-13 October 2024
The Pavilion of Art and Design, or PAD for people in the know, is exclusively dedicated to 20th-century and contemporary design. If you missed the recent show in Paris, don’t fear, because the London version will be setting up camp in Berkeley Square in the heart of Mayfair. The London fair was founded in 2007 by fourth-generation Parisian antique dealer Patrick Perrin, to champion connoisseurship, exquisite taste and curatorial flair.
MIAMI ART SHOWS
Art Basel Miami Beach, 4-8 December 2024
Each year Art Basel tours the globe, moving from its namesake Basel to Paris, Hong Kong and, of course, the Miami Beach Convention Center. It is one of the most important art shows in the US, with works by modern and contemporary masters on display from leading galleries across five continents. Last year saw works by Francis Bacon and Basquiat rubbing shoulders with relatively unknown newcomers. Prepare to be surprised and delighted.
SCOPE Art Show, 3-8 December 2024
Running concurrently with Art Basel Miami Beach, SCOPE showcases contemporary art from emerging and mid-career artists. Wander around the bespoke pavilion that is erected on the sands of Ocean Drive and 8th Street and you’ll come across more than 110 exhibitors. You’ll also pick up new trends and insights into how art plays with technology.
NEW YORK ART SHOWS
TEFAF New York, 10-14 May 2024
You haven’t got long to snap up tickets for The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) at Park Avenue Armory in Manhattan. The event is renowned for its high-quality art and antiques and the New York edition brings together some of the best dealers in the world. You can also attend expert talks on everything from the Asian art market to the new generation of collectors.
Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion, 10 May-2 September 2024
And now for some US exhibitions. The Met’s upcoming exhibit “Sleeping Beauties” is the theme for this year’s infamous Met Gala. The exhibition will showcase 250 garments and accessories from across four centuries. These works will be surrounded by natural iconography made through the use of augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and computer-generated imagery, as well as traditional formats, such as x-rays, video animation and light projection. It’ll be a delight for the senses.
The Armory Show, 6-8 September 2024
Set in the Javits Center, The Armory Show is one of the largest art fairs in the US. It has featured a diverse selection of artworks from both established and emerging artists since its inception in 1994. Alongside artworks, there are presentations, groundbreaking institutional partnerships, and public art activations to get stuck into.
SAN FRANCISCO ART SHOWS
Yayoi Kusama: Infinite Love, until 7 September
Last but by no means least, is an exhibition on Japanese polymath Yayoi Kusama at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. If you haven’t witnessed the majesty of the ‘infinity room’, now’s your time. Kusama explores meditations on perception, the cosmos and existence itself through bold colours, three-dimensional forms and optical illusions. Get ready to be transported into a unique universe of imagination that has become a worldwide phenomenon.
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