At the New York Armory Show, the world outside—plagued by oil prices, inflation, and geopolitical tensions—seemed far removed from the tranquil atmosphere of the fair. Despite global turmoil, the mood was almost too serene, with a swarm of museum curators, art advisors, and high-net-worth individuals browsing the booths.

The Armory Show, running through Sunday, began with an exclusive VIP event, attended by celebrities like Jodie Foster and Paul Rudd. Sales were steady, with notable pieces like a Joan Mitchell painting, a László Moholy-Nagy gelatin silver print, and a Yinka Shonibare canvas all finding new homes. Dealers noted that collectors were unfazed by current events, attributing their focus to their financial security.

“They don’t care,” Michael Borghi, a dealer with Hollis Taggart, told Hyperallergic, holding an abstract Stuart Davis painting sold for over $100,000. “They’re really rich individuals, they don’t care.”

While the Armory Show offered a respite from the outside world’s problems, it also highlighted the stark contrast between the luxury of art collecting and the everyday struggles of many. The fair’s success underlines the enduring appeal of art as a form of investment and a way to escape the tumultuous times.