The IFPDA Print Fair, held from February 15th to 18th at the Park Avenue Armory, promises an exceptional journey into the world of artistic prints. This fair presents a unique opportunity to explore over 550 years of printing techniques, from the delicate lines of etchings to the bold strokes of lithographs. The diverse selection of prints, spanning rare and exquisite pieces, offers collectors and enthusiasts alike a chance to acquire exceptional artworks, expand their collections, or embark on a new artistic endeavor.
In an era dominated by digital imagery, the IFPDA Print Fair stands as a testament to the enduring power of art on paper. It is a space where the physical presence of art takes precedence, where the paper’s texture, the ink’s weight, and the colors’ vibrancy create a captivating and immersive experience. The fair invites visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship, creativity, and artistry behind each print, fostering a connection with the creative minds of renowned artists and emerging talents.
What to See at the IFPDA Print Fair
Select exhibitors at this year’s IFPDA include Galerie Boisserée, Dolan/Maxwell, Hauser & Wirth, Hill-Stone, JRP|Editions, Knust Kunz Gallery Editions. Galerie Lelong & Co., Mixografia, Portland Art Museum | SITE Santa Fe, Print Center New York, Stoney Road Press, Tamarind Institute, Ursus Books, and David Zwirner.
David Zwirner will present a significant selection of historical works by renowned artists, including Anni Albers, Ruth Asawa, Toba Khedoori, Gerhard Richter, and Ed Ruscha. A focused array of historical editions by Vija Celmins will also be featured.
The Meticulous World of Vija Celmins: Prints that Capture Vastness
Internationally renowned artist Vija Celmins doesn’t just depict nature. She translates its surfaces into meticulously constructed images that draw you in. Across wood engravings, lithographs, and mezzotints, she explores the ocean, the desert, and the night sky – vast, iconic subjects rendered with incredible detail.
This blog post, timed with the IFPDA Print Fair, showcases four of Celmins’ captivating prints. These intricate works, held in major museums worldwide, offer a glimpse into her dedication to traditional printmaking techniques.
Beyond the Canvas
With their scratching, scraping, and backward-thinking process, Celmins sees prints as “much more physical” than paintings. This adds a unique texture and depth to her works, mirroring the boundlessness of her subjects. Her meticulous all-over compositions blur the line between the physical print and the vast imagery it portrays.
Ocean Surface Wood Engraving 2000
This iconic piece depicts the gentle breaking waves of the Pacific Ocean, a motif Celmins has explored since 1968. It might seem photographic from afar, but closer inspection reveals the intricate handmade details. Each tiny dash and mark, carved over five years, contributes to the surface texture.
Desert Landscape
Inspired by the Mojave Desert, Celmins’ works capture the desert’s “extraordinary quality of light and space.” She’s drawn to the vastness and its ability to “destabilize our sense of perception.”
Starry Skies
Fragments from telescopic photographs become intricate works of art in Celmins’ hands. She meticulously reproduces details, drawing from NASA imagery and her own desert photographs.
A Journey Through Details
Celmins’ works invite you on a journey through meticulous details. Each mark and line contributes to the larger sense of awe-inspiring vastness. While seemingly simple subjects, they become portals to contemplation, inviting us to appreciate the intricate beauty of the natural world.
What to Do at the IFPDA Print Fair
Beyond its allure as a marketplace, the IFPDA Print Fair serves as a platform for education and appreciation of the art of printmaking. Renowned art experts and curators will engage with visitors, sharing their knowledge and insights into printmaking’s history, significance, and techniques. Workshops, demonstrations, lectures, and discussions will delve into the rich tapestry of printmaking, offering a deeper understanding of its processes and contemporary relevance.
- AI’s Artistic Impact: Explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and artmaking with a conversation about Harold Cohen’s groundbreaking AARON project.
- Printing with the Pros: Join Dominican York Proyecto GRÁFICA for hands-on workshops on relief printing, embossing, and more.
- Poster Power: Delve into the art of the American literary poster with an expert from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Sculptural Prints: Witness the innovative work of Leonardo Drew and hear his creative perspective.
- Kentridge in Conversation: Discover the layers of meaning behind William Kentridge’s large-scale print works through a panel discussion.
- German Expressionism Reframed: Uncover new insights into iconic artists like Kirchner and Kollwitz in a curator-led roundtable.
Want more? Visit the IFPDA Print Fair to experience Celmins’s works firsthand alongside other incredible printmakers and to attend the programming events.
IFPDA Print Fair | Feb 16-18, 2024 | at The Park Avenue Armory in the Lenox Hill neighborhood | 643 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
David Zwirner gallery is located in Chelsea and is currently showing ‘The Wanda Coleman Songbook’ with work by Cauleen Smith until March 16, 2024.
David Zwirner | in the Chelsea neighborhood | 525 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011
What to See in the Upper East Side
Your stay in NYC begins upon arrival at the buzzing Upper East Side. Two nearby hotel recommendations include The Mark and The Carlyle. Both options provide easy access to the art fair and nearby attractions like The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park. These sites can serve as a peaceful respite from the fair.
Step into The Carlyle, a revered hotel with a rich history among artists and celebrities. Enjoy the elegant ambiance of afternoon tea, savoring delectable pastries and refreshing tea while immersing yourself in the artistic vibes. Consider visiting The Bemelmans Bar within the hotel, renowned for its enchanting murals by Ludwig Bemelmans.
Lose yourself in the vast collection of prints and engravings at the Met, spanning various centuries and artistic movements. Gain inspiration from iconic works by Dürer, Rembrandt, and M.C. Escher, setting the tone for the upcoming days.
To ensure a smooth visit, consider purchasing Met tickets online, allowing for express entry and avoiding queues. Convenient transportation options include the Lexington Avenue Line (4, 5, 6) and the Fifth Avenue Line (N, Q, R).
For a delightful escape from the fair, embrace a winter wonderland experience in Central Park. Enjoy a magical horse-drawn carriage ride through snowy landscapes, glide across the ice at the Wollman Rink, or simply stroll through the snow-covered paths, immersing yourself in the enchanting winter scenery.
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel | 35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021 | Trivago | Agoda
The Mark Hotel | 25 E 77th St, New York, NY 10075 | Trivago | Agoda
IFPDA Print Fair Map
Whether seeking to invest in emerging artists or add to a collection of established masters, the IFPDA Print Fair offers a discerning selection of prints that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. It is a place where collectors can discover rare gems, enthusiasts can deepen their understanding of printmaking, and art lovers can immerse themselves in the captivating world of artistic expression on paper.
The ‘Find Contemporary Art’ Google Map has a yellow pin for the IFPDA Print Fair, numbered blue pins for museums and galleries, and purple hotel icons.
How to Get to the IFPDA Print Fair
- Subway stations at 69th Street and Lexington Avenue (6 train), 63rd Street and Lexington Avenue (F and Q trains)
- Citi Bike stations at 67th and Park Avenue and 81st Street and Park Avenue
- Buses M101, M102, or M103
- Download essential apps like Google Maps, MTA Subway Timetable, and NYC Ferry to navigate the city.
- Download the Find Contemporary Art map. If you need directions, type your email address below, and they will automatically be sent to you.
