New York City’s leading art fair, the Armory Show, drew heavy crowds this month with its mix of contemporary and modern art.
Hundreds of people lined up at Manhattan’s Piers 92 and 94 on a sunny Saturday to catch the first day of the Armory Show. I was lucky enough to attend the event without paying the $30 entry fee, thanks to a friend who discovered a free offer on Twitter.
That's me, in a reflection of a reflection at the Armory Show.
This was the second time I’d attended the Armory Show and I was mesmerized by the diverse collection of art, representing galleries from across the world. I’m not an art world insider, but several trends caught my eye at the 2011 show.
“Erotica, cutesy animated grotesque and a strong street art influence.”
That’s how Krista Saunders, curator of the G Train Salon, described this year’s collection. Words can’t do justice to the featured art, so scroll down for images of the Armory Show’s contemporary wing.
Artist Nick Cave created and wears this “Soundsuit”, a full-body suit made of crochet. The style is reminiscent of New York City street artist Olek, who has covered bicycles, cars and even the Wall Street Bull in yarn.
“Soundsuit” is an appropriate name, since Cave used metal noisemaker toys to craft the headpiece. Unfortunately, I did not get to see the artist perform in this suit, which was hanging on a mannequin.
This next work reminded me of the socialist graffiti that covers streets throughout South America. It reads,
“La lucha es de todos. De todos es la lucha”
I did not write down the name of the artist, but this giant mural hung on the wall outside of the Galleria Continua booth. Looking at it brought back memories of living in Buenos Aires, Argentina!
At first I was not impressed by this collage, which features pencil drawings and stickers on paper.
However, after looking more closely at the work, my initial instinct to shout, “I could do this myself” was replaced by a warm, fuzzy feeling of nostalgia for junior high school doodling.
Jacques Villegle‘s “Rue de Thorigny” (1975) consists of ripped posters mounted on canvas. It looks like the poster-covered scaffolding I pass every day while walking through the East Village.
Some of the street art references were obvious. I ran into this piece in the Latin American section of the contemporary wing.
Galeria Casas Riegner, based in Bogota, featured this twist on the classic Coca Cola sign.
American artist Mel Bochner created this series of “Monoprints” using thick layers of oil paint.
1,000 of these signed and numbered dollar bills sold for $25 each at artist Reed Seifer‘s booth.
The Armory Show was brimming with silly, sensual works of art. Several pieces paid tribute to sex toys, porno mags and bodily functions. I came across these titilating posters by Bjarne Melgaard at the Galerie Krinzinger Vienna stall.
Death gets kinky in this painting by Gregory Forstner.
I suspect this drawing was inspired by the horror film “Human Centipede.”
Sex toys form a futuristic cityscape in this Armory Show artwork.
This installation at the Gallerie Ron Mandos stall can be summed up in one word: cool. Although it appears lifelike, the figure is actually a mannequin, and it’s covered by a hard material that blends seamlessly with the wall.
More images
View more photos of the 2011 Armory Show on the Downtown Traveler flickr page.
Did you attend the 2011 Armory Show? Please share your impressions by leaving a comment below!
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What an interesting show! Some really unique things there – thanks for sharing them; I really enjoy shows like this.
Thanks Andrea! It was a cool show– a wide variety of art was on display.
Great recap, DT! Brought back some fun and interesting memories. Way to spot the trends!!
Thanks for providing running commentary and insight at the show 🙂
Wow.. what an interesting show! LOL at the picture of kinky death! And is that really hard material covering the mannequin in the last pic? It looked like a piece of white cloth to me! Super cool!
Awesome show! What a creative art. It’s really refreshing. Collage is really really cool. And I liked “BLAH” art. 🙂
Yes, the “BLAH” painting was very cool. It was a popular place to snap a photo 🙂
Thanks for the post really enjoyed the photos wish i could have been there. Of all the photos I really enjoyed the sex toy cityscape the most.
I did not know that the male grim reaper provides the reach around. This has to be a comfort to ladies out there afraid of the great unknown. I hope the female grim reaper offers the same services.
Haha, great point! Who knew the grim reaper was so generous? 😉
Most of that is a little too far out for me. Guess I’m getting old.
Some really interesting things there. I like “Blah Blah Blah”. Good on you for supporting street art, there is some amazing stuff out there that’s brightening up many people days. When it gets highlights like this, all the better!
Very unique art. I don’t understand a lot of it, but it’s definitely interesting!
How long did the shows run? It looks so interesting. I always love Twitter offer, like last time there was a free museum pass and I saw it from Twitter too.
Hey Sarah! Thanks for your comment. The Armory Show only ran for two days, but it will be back again next year. Don’t miss it!
Great photos, thanks for sharing. Looks like a great event!