International contemporary art platformThis edition of Independent 20th Century will be significantly larger than previous iterations, with organizers stating it will be 75% bigger. The fair will feature around 57 exhibitors and more than 130 artists, according to event details. The venue for this edition is the Breuer building, which is currently being used by Sotheby’s.
Lévy Gorvy Dayan is among the participating galleries and will present works by Yves Klein, focusing on pieces from the early 1960s. The presentation will include a Blue Rain installation and several of Klein’s signature Cosmogonies. These paintings are notable for bearing the markings of natural forces, such as rain or wind, which play a direct role in their creation.
A thematic connection between Klein and Lucio Fontana is highlighted by the organizers. Both artists are described as dealing with light and nature, and they shared a fascination with physical space and breaking the boundaries of traditional painting. The two were friends who admired each other throughout their lives, according to statements from the organizers.
The fair’s organizational history includes the hiring of curator Cecilia Alemani, who had recently completed her master’s at Bard College. At that time, she was the only employee, and the organization operated with limited resources and no budget, according to recollections from those involved.
The combination of seriousness and resourcefulness in the fair’s early years is credited with helping it reach the Breuer building nearly two decades later. This growth reflects the fair’s ongoing commitment to presenting significant 20th-century art and fostering connections between artists, galleries, and audiences.
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