As September gets to its mid point, now is a good time to look at what October promises for the art world, with fairs and auctions spanning continents, spotlighting both emerging and established talent.
The global art calendar will see notable shifts in locales, fresh entrants to the scene, and celebrated mainstays that continue to redefine the boundaries of art.
Art Fairs
Atlanta Art Fair: A Southern Debut (October 3rd–6th)
Kicking off the month is the inaugural Atlanta Art Fair, an ambitious celebration of the vibrant art culture of Atlanta and the greater American South. With 60 exhibitors, this fair positions itself as a key event for those looking to explore Southern creativity. The debut fair aims to make its mark by shining a light on the unique contributions of regional artists to the broader American art scene.
Art Jakarta: New October Dates (October 4th–7th)
Art Jakarta, previously held in November, has shifted its dates to October. This Southeast Asian fair will feature 75 galleries, with a strong emphasis on contemporary art from across the region. As Southeast Asia’s art scene gains momentum, Jakarta’s offerings will provide a valuable window into the evolving cultural landscape.
Frieze Week, London: A Fresh Look (October 9th–13th)
The spotlight then turns to Frieze London, now in its 21st year. This iconic event is unveiling a new floorplan to accommodate its 160 participating galleries. Running parallel to this is Frieze Masters, showcasing 130 galleries that offer a curated blend of historical and modern art. Alongside these, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair returns to Somerset House from October 12th–15th, presenting 50 exhibitors focused on art from Africa and its diaspora.
Paris Art Week: A Grand Affair (October 16th–20th)
Paris will once again host an art-filled week, with Art Basel Paris at the newly renovated Grand Palais. Featuring 194 galleries, this event marks the third edition since Paris became home to the storied fair. Complementing Art Basel are several other major events, including Paris Internationale, Design Miami/Paris, Asia Now, AKAA (Also Known As Africa), and the debut of Salon by NADA and The Community, which adds a fresh, experimental layer to the city’s artistic offerings.
Contemporary Istanbul (October 23rd–27th)
Turkey’s premier art event, Contemporary Istanbul, returns for its 18th edition with around 85 galleries participating, mostly from Turkey. This fair has solidified its role in bridging the cultural divide between East and West, offering a unique perspective on contemporary art.
Art Toronto: A Canadian Celebration (October 24th–27th)
North of the border, Art Toronto will bring over 100 galleries to the city, making it Canada’s largest and most significant art fair. The event will highlight both national and international artists, offering an eclectic mix of modern and contemporary works.
Art Taipei (October 25th–28th)
Art Taipei, a staple in the Asian art market, remains one of the region’s most important fairs. While specific details have yet to be fully disclosed, the event is known for its focus on East Asian galleries and is expected to draw significant interest from both collectors and curators.
ART X Lagos: Showcasing Contemporary African Art (October 31st–November 3rd)
The 9th edition of ART X Lagos, West Africa's largest and most prestigious art fair, will take place from October 31st to November 3rd at the Federal Palace in Lagos, Nigeria. Since its inception in 2016, ART X Lagos has become a pivotal platform for showcasing contemporary African art and its diaspora, drawing attention to the dynamic and evolving landscape of art across the continent.
Auctions
The three major houses—Sotheby’s, Phillips, and Christie’s—will all hold their contemporary art sales during this time. Sotheby’s leads the charge with its contemporary evening sale on October 9th, followed by a day sale on October 10th. Phillips will host its modern and contemporary evening sale on October 10th, with a day sale the following day. Christie’s, though yet to announce its dates, will also undoubtedly contribute to the week's frenzy.
In Paris, two significant sales by Sotheby’s will coincide with Art Basel Paris. A "Modernités" sale is scheduled for October 17th, followed by a "Surrealism and its Legacy" auction on October 18th, offering a carefully curated selection of works from the movement.
As October draws to a close, the Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA) will host its annual "The Art Show" in New York (October 30th–November 2nd), featuring 70 exhibitors, underscoring its status as a key player in the American art market.
October 2024 presents a comprehensive slate of fairs and auctions, with something for every type of collector and enthusiast. From the burgeoning scenes in the American South and Asia to the well-established cultural hubs of Europe and Africa, the month promises a visual feast for the art world.
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