New York City’s iconic art fair, The Armory Show, is returning for its milestone 30th edition, from September 6 to 8, 2024, at the Javits Center. As one of the premier events on the global art calendar, The Armory Show continues to position itself as a leading platform for contemporary art. This year, more than 235 galleries from 35 countries are set to participate, with a significant presence from Africa, reflecting the continent’s growing influence in the international art world.

Among the exhibitors from Africa, Kó (Lagos, Nigeria), WHATIFTHEWORLD (Cape Town, South Africa), and SMAC Gallery (Cape Town, South Africa) stand out as key contributors to the African art scene. These galleries are renowned for showcasing work that challenges and redefines the boundaries of contemporary African art, and their participation in The Armory Show adds further weight to the fair’s reputation for global diversity.

African Presence at The Armory Show

Each of these galleries will be participating in different sections of the fair, carefully curated to highlight their unique strengths:

• Kó (Lagos) will exhibit in the Presents section, which features galleries that are no older than ten years. This section allows for a focused presentation of newer galleries and emerging artists. Kó, known for representing some of Nigeria’s most exciting contemporary artists, will bring a dual artist showcase, emphasizing the future trajectory of African contemporary art.
• SMAC Gallery (Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Johannesburg) will be featured in the Solo section. This section is designed to highlight intimate presentations from a single artist, either emerging, established, or historical. SMAC’s focus is on bringing forward contemporary African voices that explore historical, social, and cultural issues through a wide range of mediums, making it a significant player in the South African art market and beyond.
• WHATIFTHEWORLD (Cape Town) will take part in the Focus section, curated to revive the experimental and avant-garde energy of The Armory Show’s earlier editions. The gallery will showcase cutting-edge, thought-provoking pieces, emphasizing the innovation and dynamic spirit that contemporary African art embodies.

A Rich Tapestry of Art from the Continent

Visitors to The Armory Show can expect an extraordinary array of artworks that dive deep into African heritage, social issues, and future perspectives. The selected African galleries have consistently been at the forefront of presenting works that engage with both local and global audiences. Kó’s presentation will focus on narratives that explore Nigeria’s post-colonial history and its impact on identity, gender, and societal evolution. SMAC will bring a thought-provoking collection of works that challenge South Africa’s socio-political landscape, while WHATIFTHEWORLD will spotlight emerging themes in African futurism, cultural displacement, and the intersections of tradition and modernity.

These galleries not only represent the cutting-edge of African contemporary art but also speak to the broader themes of cultural exchange and the global dialogue that The Armory Show champions. From sculptural installations to paintings, mixed media works, and digital art, visitors will be treated to a diverse spectrum of African creativity.

The Armory Show’s Global Reach

In addition to the strong African representation, this year’s edition of The Armory Show will showcase a remarkable blend of global galleries, ranging from renowned names like Victoria Miro and Sean Kelly to new participants like Blade Study, a New York-based gallery that won the prestigious Gramercy International Prize.

New structural elements will also be introduced to the fair’s layout this year, aiming to enhance the visitor experience. A reimagined floor plan, new meeting spaces, and a dedicated theater hosting discussions with leading art world figures will create an immersive environment for artists, collectors, curators, and enthusiasts alike. Furthermore, a partnership with American Express as the new lead sponsor signals the fair’s continued expansion and relevance in the art market.

As The Armory Show adapts to its new leadership under Frieze following the departure of longtime director Nicole Berry, it remains a vital force in New York’s cultural landscape. Frieze Americas director Christine Messineo and fairs director Kristell Chadé are steering this year’s event, which promises to be a standout iteration with a mix of returning exhibitors and fresh participants.

Conclusion

The inclusion of prominent African galleries at The Armory Show is a testament to the growing importance of African art on the global stage. Kó, SMAC, and WHATIFTHEWORLD will undoubtedly captivate audiences with their thought-provoking presentations, offering a nuanced look at African art’s present and future.

As The Armory Show celebrates its 30th anniversary, this year’s edition not only showcases the best of international contemporary art but also highlights the profound contributions of African artists to the global art discourse. Whether through the lens of identity, history, or forward-thinking visions, the African galleries at The Armory Show 2024 are set to leave an indelible mark on the art world.