Alternative Satellite Exhibitions Offer a Refreshing Diversion from the Hustle and Bustle of Frieze Week Madness
During New York Art Week 2025, two smaller art fairs, Esther II and Conductor, undoubtedly provide a refreshing respite for the perplexed art enthusiast amidst the dominant Frieze and TEFAF spectacles.
Esther II, situated in Murray Hill's historic Estonian House, offers a warm, intimate atmosphere that distances itself from the conventional, commercial air of larger fairs. The venue, which houses entrance halls, wooden meeting rooms, grand halls, clubrooms, and even partially unused upper floors, serves as a versatile canvas for art display. Additionally, the basement is transformed into a live showroom by Estonian designer Laivi, further enriching the site-specific aspects of the fair.
Running through Saturday, Esther II is now in its second edition. The art fair, initiated by gallerists Margot Samel and Olga Temnikova, brings together a cosmopolitan array of artists and galleries from various global cities, including Tokyo, Budapest, Paris, and Poland, as well as local New York outfits such as James Fuentes, Tara Downs, and Post Times. The latter has achieved its debut fair presentation at Esther II, sharing a booth with Estonia-based Tartu Gallery.
Founder Broc Blegen underlined that the opportunity to present at Esther II offers new galleries validation they might need to gain the attention of collectors. Post Times showcased pieces by artists Nate Flagg and Jeremy DePrez, with the latter's sculpture of a giant sock unfolding the perfect balance of elegance and humor.
Laurel Gitlen Gallery exhibited two still lifes by Matthew Watson, painted on sheets of copper, that struck a personal yet unsentimental note. Each artwork is a quiet composition born from Watson’s visits to artists' homes, capturing glimpses of their private spaces.
Gowanus' Conductor art fair, which debuted in a softly launched form during the same period, draws attention to artists and their galleries from across the Global South and its diasporas. The sprawling Powerhouse Arts complex, a reimagined 117-year-old power plant, serves as the fair's venue, providing high ceilings and poured concrete walls.
Conductor's curatorial focus on artists from the Global South and its diasporas distinguishes it from traditional fairs. Moreover, the model allows artists to fabricate work on-site using Powerhouse's extensive production facilities, decreasing shipping costs and fostering new commissions and affordable editions.
Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya's As her hands move, her heart beats in the rhythm of monsoons (2024) is one of the fair's standouts. The Brooklyn-based artist's sculpture, which pays homage to matrilineal traditions in rural Thailand, effectively demonstrates the fair's focus on the Global South and its diasporas. The sculpture, fabricated at Powerhouse Arts, first appeared at Art Basel Miami Beach last year.
In summary, Esther II and Conductor provide distinctive experiences aiming at art lovers and emerging artists, a refreshing alternative to larger art weeks' spectacles. Through unique features, thoughtful curation, and site-specific installations, both fairs enable art enthusiasts to engage with fresh and innovative works in intimate settings.
- Esther II, seated in Murray Hill's historic Estonian House, offers a cozy and distinct environment, contrasting the commercial atmosphere of larger art fairs.
- The fair, founded by Margot Samel and Olga Temnikova, collectively known as Esther II, showcases artists and galleries from diverse cities, including New York, Tokyo, Budapest, Paris, and Poland.
- Post Times, a new gallery participating in Esther II, exhibited works by artists Nate Flagg and Jeremy DePrez, with Jeremy's sculpture of a giant sock combining an elegant and humorous aesthetic.
- Laurel Gitlen Gallery displayed two copper-painted still lifes by Matthew Watson, creating a personal yet unsentimental expression through capturing glimpses of artists' private spaces.
- Conductor art fair, held at the reimagined Powerhouse Arts complex, focuses on artists from the Global South and its diasporas, showcasing their works and fostering new commissions.
- Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya's sculpture, As her hands move, her heart beats in the rhythm of monsoons, fabricated at Powerhouse Arts, is a standout piece at Conductor, reflecting the fair's emphasis on the Global South and its diasporas.
- Galleries and artists presenting at Esther II and Conductor during New York Art Week offer an invigorating alternative to the conventional art world, providing intimate experiences with fresh and innovative works.
- The art community can engage with unique features, thoughtful curation, and site-specific installations at both Esther II and Conductor, complementing their lifestyles in areas of fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and travel.
