EP 92: Is the Era of Art Fair Spectacle Over?

VVrkshop founder Paddy Johnson and artist William Powhida dive into their impressions of the 2025 Armory Art Fair in New York. In this episode, we explore how Frieze's new ownership has changed the fair's feel, from stricter security to the notable absence of mega galleries like Hauser & Wirth and Gagosian. We break down the numbers - more than half of 2024's exhibitors didn't return, LA galleries dropped by 26%, and smaller works dominated booths as galleries adapted to market realities. The conversation covers standout pieces that caught our attention, from Nick Farhi's provocative glory hole installation at Europa to Nikita Gale's politically charged "Interceptor" barricade at 56 Henry. We also dig into emerging art trends, including the rise of "art history textbook painting" where artists render historical styles in abstract brushstrokes, and discuss the troubling vacuum in art criticism. The episode touches on the political climate's impact on art-making and whether we're seeing the end of an era for large-scale art fair presentations. Relevant Links: The Armory Show Tim Van Laere Gallery (Rinus Van de Velde) Victoria Miro (Doron Langberg, Flora Yukhnovich) Peter Blum Gallery (Marha Tuttle) Europa (Nick Farhi) 56 Henry (Nikita Gale) Yancey Richardson Gallery (Marilyn Minter) Corbett vs. Dempsey (Cauleen Smith) What If The World Gallery (Mia Chaplin) Uffner & Lui (Talia Levitt) Marinaro (Ever Baldwin) Hess Flatow (Emma Safir) Dastan Gallery (Tehran artists) P40D Gallery (Piper Bangs) Anton Kern Gallery (David Shrigley) James Cohan (Simon Evans)