Annabeth Rosen
Prolly, c. 2012
Courtesy of the artist; Anglim Gilbert Gallery, San Francisco; and P.P.O.W, New York
In a first-ever devoted presentation at Independent, OBJECT & THING will collaborate on a new area of the fair: a tightly curated presentation of object-based works of art and design selected from Independent exhibitors and invited leading design galleries.
The presentation, organized by OBJECT & THING founder Abby Bangser and artistic director Rafael de Cárdenas in collaboration with Independent, continues to innovate on the fair model and presents design programs for the first time at Independent
Today, Independent announced a new collaboration with OBJECT & THING debuting at next year’s Independent in New York: a collaborative presentation that builds upon Independent’s history of presenting a wide range of artistic practices.
The presentation will take place in a dedicated space within Independent's fair in March 2020, in advance of OBJECT & THING’s second edition in May 2020. The presentation will form a curated installation of object-based works drawn from both Independent exhibitors and leading design galleries, including the fair’s Tribeca neighbors Patrick Parrish Gallery and R & Company, as well as studio practices Green River Project LLC and Toogood. The full list of participating artists and galleries will be announced in early 2020.
Together, Independent and OBJECT & THING seek to create a commercial platform that is more effective for gallerists, collectors, and artists alike, providing the context for richer encounters with artists’ work. This collaboration will mark the first time that galleries with specifically design-focused programs are participants at Independent. As at the OBJECT & THING fairs, the presentation at Independent will bring works together in a single installation, rather than being grouped by gallery, and without a hierarchy or distinction between works of art or design.
"Like Independent, OBJECT & THING is a collaborative platform that is interested in creating a new space with talented artists and galleries who have a vision,” remarked Elizabeth Dee, founder & CEO of Independent. “Together, we are interested in the atmosphere that can be created through prioritizing the creative aspect in how artworks are presented and sold. In this 2020 edition, our goal is to expand that impact, through individual and collective efforts, together opening possibilities for new experiences and structures.”
Launched in 2019 and returning for its second edition in New York from May 7-10, 2020, OBJECT & THING has reimagined the art and design fair concept, presenting a new commercial platform for both art and design that focuses exclusively on the object. OBJECT & THING presents a new fair model, opting for a commission on sales over advance fair fees, which are handled directly through the fair. This enables galleries to take on more risks in presenting object-based works that might not be considered an immediate commercial success. The inaugural edition featured an exhibition of over 200 works consigned by 32 of the world’s leading art and design galleries, offering a groundbreaking level of transparency and accessibility while creating an in-person experience augmented by artist-led installations, design boutique pop-ups, and a curated talks program.
“There is a natural synergy between OBJECT & THING and Independent, each of which were created as new models that offer a fair-going experience with a clarified point of view appealing to collectors, curators, and visitors of all backgrounds as well as a supportive commercial environment for galleries. We are honored by this invitation from Independent and thrilled to have the opportunity to expand the reaches of both fairs by partnering on a unique presentation with the Independent community of galleries as well as presenting works from design programs at Independent for the first time,” noted OBJECT & THING founder Abby Bangser.
Independent New York will take place at Spring Studios in Tribeca from March 6-8, 2020. Selected participants represent the art world’s most creative and inspired curatorial visions from a cross-section of emerging, mid-career and established programs worldwide.
About Independent
Independent was founded in 2010, with the aim to inspire relevant art encounters for a well-informed and devoted Contemporary Art audience. Over the last decade, Independent Art Fair has created an internationally-recognised platform for galleries, that prioritizes discovery and context, in contrast to the standard commercial fair. Due to Independent’s unique model, our audience is tailored to connoisseur based collectors and institutions. Taking place annually in March in New York, Independent brings together over 60 international galleries and non-profit organizations, with consistently fresh and unexpected content for each edition. By supporting a focused range of established, innovative and emerging as well as outsider art and design, Independent aims to present a true reflection of the fabric of the global art community.
About Object & Thing
OBJECT & THING reimagines the art and design fair concept, by bringing together both disciplines through a focus on the object. As an annual selling exhibition over the first week in May in New York, and through a corresponding e-commerce site, OBJECT & THING presents object-based 20th and 21st century works from leading international art and design galleries. The exhibition is complemented by a gathering of select design boutiques selling functional and decorative wares at lower price points in the Shop, along with a dynamic talks program.