THE BUSINESS OF ART: ARMORY AND VOLTA SHOW NEWS

It’s been an interesting couple of months in the New York art world, as the Armory Show moves to Pier 90 and 94, cancelling emerging artist show Volta.

Due to the unsound structure of Pier 92 on New York’s Hudson River, part of the Armory Show previously to be located on Pier 92, will move to nearby Pier 90, the home of the Volta Art Show. The other half will stay in its original location, Pier 94, which is holding up. It seems the big boys have won the space race as emerging artist fair, Volta, originally located on Pier 90, has been displaced and subsequently announced the postponement of its 2019 New York fair until 2020.

In an unusual act of charity, or justice, all exhibitors signed up with Volta were notified that they will be reimbursed for expenses, but less than two weeks before the March 6 VIP and press opening of the fair, costs have been incurred for shipping, framing, commissioning artists and other expenditures for Volta galleries and artists.

In an incredible act of generosity, David Zwirner, owner of two Chelsea galleries has come to the rescue of many of the artists originally included in the Volta show. At the urging of Peter Hort, a major collector of the work of emerging artists, David Zwirner’s Chelsea galleries will exhibit at least 25 artists, comprising half of the total number of artists originally included in the Volta show. The gallery, renamed for this show, “Plan B” at 525 West 19th St. and 534 West 21st Street, New York, will be open to viewers on March 6, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and March 7–10, from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Additionally, Mr. Hort has invited visitor to the show to view his private Hort Family Collection on March 5, before the shows open. It is wonderful to see the art community, collectors, gallery owners and artists come together in a difficult situation to make sure the work is shown.

That is the intent and desire of every artist, and every gallery director.

Artscope will have more news about the shows beginning Wednesday, March 6, at Armory, including an exclusive interview with Peter Hort and David Zwirner about their generous act on Friday, March 8.