The IFPDA Print Fair is set to make a grand return to the Park Avenue Armory this spring, from April 9 to 12. Known as the “gold standard for fine art print collecting,” this annual event attracts print curators and collectors from all over. This year, the fair will feature 80 exhibitors and will have an expanded focus on drawings, in addition to prints, to highlight the close relationship between the two mediums.
Jenny Gibbs, the Executive Director of the IFPDA and IFPDA Foundation, expressed her excitement about the inclusion of drawings in the fair. She noted that both drawings and prints represent graphic thinking and the evolution of ideas through line and pressure. According to art historian Susan Tallman, prints and drawings are where artists truly express themselves and think out loud.
One of the highlights of the fair will be Edgar Degas’s monotype “Dancers in Rehearsal,” created between 1874 and 1876. This moody and evocative piece showcases Degas’s mastery of the monotype technique, where he drew with ink on a metal plate and produced a single impression through a press. Degas’s obsession with monotypes was well-known, with his friend Marcellin Desboutin describing it as consuming the artist entirely.
Other notable works at the fair include Jasper Johns’s unique early artist’s proof of “Flag” (1967), Paula Rego’s abortion etchings that played a pivotal role in shifting public opinion in Portugal, Hernan Bas’s new etchings from his “Nightmare” series, Kiki Smith’s striking graphite drawing “Standing and Seated Girl” (2004), Max Ernst’s intriguing combination of pen and ink with found imagery in “Strange Hallucination” (1948), Dana Schutz’s unconventional etchings using tools like sandpaper and tattoo machines, and Francisco Goya’s powerful piece “It’s No Use Crying Out” from “The Disasters of War” (c. 1811–12).
With such a diverse range of artworks on display, the IFPDA Print Fair promises to be a captivating event for art enthusiasts and collectors alike. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness these exceptional pieces up close and immerse yourself in the world of fine art printmaking. The upcoming IFPDA Print Fair at the Park Avenue Armory promises to be an exciting event for art enthusiasts and collectors alike. With a diverse lineup of artists and curators participating in thought-provoking conversations, attendees can expect to gain insight into the creative processes behind some of the most innovative printmaking techniques.
One of the highlights of the fair will be the opportunity to hear from acclaimed artists such as Derrick Adams, Julie Mehretu, Hank Willis Thomas, and Terry Winters as they share their perspectives on the intersection of art and society. These conversations, led by curators like Christophe Cherix and Susan Dackerman, will offer a unique glimpse into the minds of some of the most influential figures in the contemporary art world.
The fair will run from April 9 to 12, giving visitors ample time to explore the wide range of prints on display and engage with the artists and experts in attendance. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply curious about the world of printmaking, the IFPDA Print Fair promises to be a must-attend event for anyone with a passion for art.
For more information about the fair, including details on participating artists and ticketing information, be sure to visit the official website at fineartprintfair.org. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of printmaking and discover the latest trends in contemporary art.
