The kick-off of the Nada New York fair was buzzing with artistic energy as numerous artists populated the gallery spaces to discuss their pieces. Among the crowd was Philadelphia’s own Kambel Smith, a sculptor known for his large-scale installations featuring cardboard renditions of well-known urban icons – the Statue of Liberty, the Flatiron Building, even a Mountain Dew bottle – at the Shrine gallery’s booth. His pieces, priced between $12,000 to $25,000, drew many curious gazes.
His “Autisarian City” installation envisions a utopia of equality and individual freedom. As an artist with autism, Smith’s precision in model creation is all the more impressive given his lack of architectural training or use of measuring tools. When probed about his next project, Smith hinted at something of considerable height, promising further intriguing contributions.
Over at the Hannah Traore Gallery, artist Anya Paintsil, of Welsh and Ghanaian descent, remained hopeful despite her latest series of hair and textile wall pieces being detained by US Customs. In the interim, she displayed some of her earlier captivating, portrait-style works. She hopes the new pieces – priced from $10,000 to $43,000 and featuring complex figures and provocative titles like “Except now I’m drinking £21.00 Tokaji from Waitrose” – will be available before the week’s end.
In addition, young artists were due to arrive after school hours to operate the Children’s Museum of the Arts’ lemonade stand on the fair’s rooftop, showcasing sculptures and drawings created by local children (priced from $25 to $100), with all proceeds going towards the museum. Artists associated with Philadelphia’s Center for Creative Works, a program supporting art creation for adults with developmental disabilities, also planned to attend the fair, offering their drawings for sale (ranging from $100 to $450).
For visitors preferring quieter contemplation, The Hole Gallery offers a hidden gem. Tucked in a secluded, cabin-like section was a series of acrylic airbrushed hunting scenes by the Nebraska-born, Oregon-based artist Matt Belk, each priced at $10,000. Adding to the rustic charm were beautifully painted decoy ducks, each priced at $3,000, nestled in the corners.
As the Nada New York art fair unfolds, its broad range of displays, from cardboard cityscapes to cozy log cabin atmospheres, encapsulates contemporary art’s diverse and vibrant spirit. Its potential for surprise at every corner is a testament to the passion and creativity of its participating artists. From young local talents to artists challenging conventional norms, the fair promises a distinctive blend of art that sparks curiosity and encourages dialogue.
