Today is the opening date of the 26th edition of the Outsider Art Fair. The term “outsider art” refers to art that is created by self-taught artists, or those that have little or no contact with the mainstream art world or art institutions, and are not conditioned by art history or trends. Outsiders come from all cultures and age groups, sharing the “common denominator of raw creativity.” The fair is taking place at the New York Metropolitan Pavilion (125 W. 18th Street), through Sunday January 21st.
In honor of the first anniversary of the Women’s March (the 2018 march in New York City will take place this Saturday), the fair includes a booth titled “Onward” which features artwork from an open call made to the public around the theme “Vision for the Future of Women.” Anyone and everyone was invited to participate, regardless of training or background. The organizer of the booth, Jamie Sterns, told artnews that she was inspired by the Women’s March movement because “it was an important political gesture, but also it felt so uplifting and hopeful, that we will get through this because we’re together….. art is a massive way for people to have some sort of voice, and people want to be heard.” All works are $400 and half the proceeds go to the artist.
Here’s a handful of other art fairs coming to New York in the coming weeks:
New York Ceramics and Glass Fair Jan 18-21
Asia Week New York March 15-24
Affordable Art Fair New York Mar 21-25
Learn more about outsider art, art fairs, and the art world through the following CALA courses, now open for registration:
New York Art Fairs this Spring: From the Armory show to NADA
Asian Fine and Decorative Arts
From Impressionism to Modernism: Movements and Markets
Postwar and Contemporary Art Markets, Movements, and Money