Inside Armory Week 2026
Updated: Sep 30
The Armory Show opened about two weeks later than usual this year, focusing entirely on contemporary art. Given how dark and heavy many New York gallery shows can feel, it was refreshing to experience a different style of artwork from around the world—particularly the installation work and large-scale sculptures.
Their Friday night after-hours event brought incredible energy to the fair, complete with live music, performances, a Hibiki whiskey tasting, vodka cocktails, and perfume sampling. VIP day was packed, so returning during quieter hours made it much easier to take in the artwork at a contemplative pace. The only downside was that many gallerists were absent, leaving few staff available to answer questions. Still, it was a worthwhile visit.
Over at Sotheby's New York, Independent 20th Century put on an exceptional presentation. One standout was "The Obsessive Image," a special joint presentation by Gió Marconi (Milan) and David Nolan Gallery (New York). The exhibition explores how recurring images, forms, and preoccupations function across 20th-century art. While repetition is one manifestation of obsession, the presentation considers a much broader spectrum of behavior: returning to a single motif or medium, meticulously refining craft, accumulating forms over decades, and compulsively pushing an idea beyond conventional limits.
By bringing together Italian and European artists alongside art of the Americas, the show reveals compelling connections between distinct practices across generations and cultures. In a culture defined by rapid acceleration and relentless media circulation, these artists offer a different proposition: returning to the same image or form is a meaningful way to move forward. Artistic obsession slows time.
Also at Independent HQ 20th Century, Leon Tovar Gallery presented a wonderful exhibition featuring fun, colorful geometric sculptures. Their focus on Latin American Op art and constructivism added a dynamic energy to the fair floor.
The SPRING/BREAK Art Show is always a fun stop, though it felt less striking this year—a trend I’ve noticed over the last couple of editions. While still worth checking out, the work leaned slightly more academic or student-level rather than polished professional art. A notable highlight, however, was a head sculpture by Paul Gagner at Field Projects. He constructed his own head with a detailed, creative interior view in the back showing what's going on inside—a fascinating concept paired with an equally compelling painting. He is definitely an artist to watch.
Beyond the fairs, several New York gallery shows were exceptional highlights around town:
Lee Bul & Jean Arp at Hauser & Wirth (Chelsea). The image left is Lee Bul's show
Jackson Pollock at Pace Gallery
Brice Marden at Gagosian (22nd Street)
Keith Haring at 60 White Street in Tribeca
Lee Hun Chung at R & Company in Tribeca
Check out more images and videos at "Curated by Younghye" on YouTube & Instagram!
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