ART 20 & Modernism Art Fairs Become One and Open at Park Avenue Armory

NEW YORK, NY.- Sanford L. Smith & Associates’ two fall fairs become one superlative art and design event this year. In the past, ART20 occupied the historic Park Avenue Armory in early November, with Modernism directly following. From November 13 – 16, 2009, the fairs will combine, creating a singular opportunity to explore the very best of an era. Since the two fairs have always celebrated the same time periods in distinct ways, the combination promises an excellent opportunity to catch the aesthetic dialogue between art and design of the last century.

In 1986, "Modernism: Centuries of Style and Design" was the first fair devoted to the major European and American design movements of the 20th-century. Modernism is still the setting where this market is defined and redefined every year. A selection of the finest international dealers will exhibit and sell museum quality prototypes and rare pieces of furniture, glass, lighting, silver and other decorative objects in the traditions of Art Deco, Scandinavian, Arts and Crafts, Wiener Werkstätte, Postmodern, the 50’s 60’s and 70’s. In recent years, examples of rare contemporary design that advance the spirit of Modernism have also made their way to the show floor.

Eight years ago, ART20 opened to provide blue chip dealers an international art fair venue in the fall. ART20 offers visitors a choice survey of the 20th and 21st-centuries through paintings, sculpture, prints and photography from movements including Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Hard Edge and Social Realism. Despite its wide scope and sophisticated quality, the young fair has also been praised for its intimate feel and accessibility.

Macklowe Gallery (New York) is back in the fair after a brief hiatus and will bring French Art Nouveau, Tiffany Studios lamps and antique jewelry. Also returning are: Glass Past (New York) with Italian glass from 1860-1960, Moderne Gallery (Philadelphia, PA) with fine examples of Nakashima, Esherick, Castle, French and American Art Deco; and Katy Kane (New Hope, PA) with twentieth century couture and vintage clothing and accessories.