Picks from NADA New York
The New Art Dealers Alliance, better known by its catchier acronym NADA, is the closest thing the art world has to a union. The 12-year old nonprofit aims to bridge the many tiny art islands through open conversations and a commitment to emerging artists.
Perhaps that explains the easy atmosphere at the third NADA New York, on view through Sunday at Pier 36 at Basketball City. Walking around the fair yesterday before its opening, art handlers were still unwrapping artworks, and gallerists were debating how to best present them. Those who weren’t laboring were chatting. We were looking at the stacks of rugs from Brooklyn’s Magic Flying Carpets (it’s what it sounds like), when Van Hanos next door at Essex Flowers asked our opinion on Brian Belott’s installation. We talked it over for a bit. Assuming he believed we were all gallerists (the press preview was this morning), it’s not something that would happen at Frieze, coinciding a bit to the north on Randall’s Island, where interactions can be brisk as the ferry ride over. At NADA, you’re welcome to talk things out.
This year’s fair sees 70 international galleries, the bulk of which are in New York and Brooklyn. Unlike Frieze and most satellite fairs, there is no admission fee. Click through the slideshow to see our picks.
