ART & DESIGN

The Not-So-Hidden Messages of Armory Week


Polly Shindler

From the Armory Show itself to its charmingly scrappy subsidiaries, the art fairs of Armory Week have been full of messages – and not just for potential buyers. Some, like a red neon by Tracey Emin, can be sensual, casting a seductive glow on the white-walled Pier 94. Others are more utilitarian, like a floor plaque urging caution around Jo Shane’s bottles of perishable breast milk at Spring/Break. In any case, what’s a better break from taking selfies than some good old-fashioned reading?

1

“What in the Wide, Wide World of Sports” (2015) by Polly Shindler at Spring/Break. Photo by Katie Thompson.

2

“You Touch Me” by Tracey Emin at The Armory Show. Photo courtesy of Armand Bartos Fine Art, New York.

3

Close-up of “Milk” (2016) by Jo Shane at Spring/Break. Curated by Jo Shane + Maripol.

Photo by Katie Thompson.

4

Work by Jean-Baptiste Michel at Spring/Break. Curated by Marc Azoulay. Photo by Katie Thompson.

5

“Come to Daddy” (2015) by Ivan Navarro at The Armory Show. Photo courtesy of the artist and Galerie Daniel Templon, Paris/Brussels.

6

“Finish Line” (2016) by Nicole Reber at Spring/Break. Curated by Myla Dalbesio. Photo by Katie Thompson.

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“Mommie Dearest Daddie Dead” (2015) by James Concannon at Spring/Break. Curated by 1985, Rémy Bennett, and Kelsey Bennett. Photo by Katie Thompson.

8

“Wanted By the Law” (2011) by Andrea Bowers at The Armory Show. Photo courtesy of Andrew Kreps Gallery.

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“Untitled” (2013) by Erika Blair at Spring/Break. Curated by Jo Shane and Maripol. Photo by Katie Thompson.

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“Set in the Street” by Justin Bettman at Spring/Break. Curated by Marc Azoulay. Photo by Katie Thompson.

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At Spring/Break. Curated by 1985, Rémy Bennett, and Kelsey Bennett. Photo by Katie Thompson.

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“VCR” (2015) by Polly Shindler at Spring/Break. Curated by Christopher Stout and Will Hutnick. Photo by Katie Thompson.

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“Good News” (2016) by Nicole Reber at Spring/Break. Curated by Myla Dalbesio. Photo by Katie Thompson.

14

“Whose?” (2014) by Esmeralda Kosmatopoulos at Spring/Break. Photo by Katie Thompson.

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“Money” (2015) by Annette Kelm at The Armory Show. Photo courtesy of Konig Galerie.

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“Mondrian’s Works IV” by Joseph Kosuth at The Armory Show. Photo courtesy of Galleri Brandstrup Oslo.

17

“Seven Minutes in Heaven” by Alanna Vanacore at Spring/Break. Curated by Aaron Levi Garvey.

Photo by Katie Thompson.

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Work by James Concannon at Spring/Break. Curated by 1985, Rémy Bennett, and Kelsey Bennett. Photo by Katie Thompson.

19

“Art” by Mary Bauermeister at The Armory Show. Photo courtesy of 401 Contemporary, Berlin.

20

“Broke Ass (from YOUNG MONEY performance)” (2011) by Myla Dalbesio at Spring/Break. Photo by Katie Thompson.

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“Broke Ass (from YOUNG MONEY performance)” (2011) by Myla Dalbesio at Spring/Break. Photo by Katie Thompson.

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“Broke Ass (from YOUNG MONEY performance)” (2011) by Myla Dalbesio at Spring/Break. Photo by Katie Thompson.