There was plenty to dazzle at this year’s TEFAF fair in Park Avenue Armory. From shimmering fruit sculptures encrusted with crystals to John Chamberlain's chromium-plated art that could fit in a purse, the gallery booths offered a mix of dazzling and utilitarian pieces.
Prospective buyers trailed by their advisors inspected the presentations of 88 galleries from 14 different countries. The fair’s reputation for attracting New York high society remained intact, with some visitors even purchasing their own demountable Jean Prouvé-designed pied-à-terres.
Deep-pocketed collectors could admire works by masters like David Hockney and Eva Helene Pade, while others were drawn to the contemporary and avant-garde. Hauser & Wirth showcased Danish painter Vilhelm Hammershøi’s melancholic scenes with somber blue-gray walls, a stark contrast to the flashy displays elsewhere.
Despite concerns about inflation and political malaise, TEFAF New York proved that art remains an investment and a statement of status. The fair’s brisk sales indicate that many are willing to part with their savings for pieces that can both decorate and increase in value over time.
