Independent 20th Century Fair Expands with Key Sotheby’s Collaboration

New York City (#1) (1976), a dye transfer print by Joel Sternfeld

This autumn, art enthusiasts can immerse themselves in a unique exhibition featuring works from esteemed artists like Philippe Parreno and dialogue between 20th-century icons Yves Klein and Lucio Fontana—all housed within the Breuer Building on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. This prestigious venue will host the Independent 20th Century fair from September 24 to 27.

Founded by dealer, curator, and fair director Elizabeth Dee, the Independent 20th Century has evolved from various Manhattan locations over its 17-year history, now culminating in a partnership with Sotheby’s in a remarkable move for the art community. Sotheby’s acquired the iconic Breuer building for $100 million in 2023, and this collaboration marks a significant achievement for Dee, who has long envisioned this evolution.

Dee recalls her discussions with Sotheby’s CEO Charles Stewart, stating, “It just seemed like a natural fit.” The relationship quickly blossomed, leading to an ambitious event that is slated to be 75% larger than previous exhibitions, featuring around 57 exhibitors and showcasing over 130 artists.

Dee’s enthusiasm reflects not just a professional milestone but a personal dream realized. She has watched high-profile institutions, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Metropolitan Museum, occupy the Breuer over the years, noting the significance of finally curating a show in this historic space.

The fair will explore extensive connections between the artists presented. Notably, a collaboration between Lévy Gorvy Dayan and Nahmad Contemporary will highlight the works of Klein and Fontana. On the Breuer’s fourth floor, visitors can engage with Klein's work from the early 1960s, characterized by experiments with natural elements, alongside Fontana’s explorations of the city of Venice during the late 1950s to early 1960s.

Dee emphasizes the thematic links between Klein and Fontana, stating that both artists “deal with a connection to light and nature.” Their mutual admiration and shared aesthetic pursuits underscore the exciting curatorial approach at this year’s fair.

Additionally, Esther Schipper’s presentation will commemorate 40 years of “relational aesthetics,” a concept championed by curator Nicolas Bourriaud. Featuring prominent figures like Liam Gillick and Angela Bulloch, this segment promises to delve into the pivotal ideas that have shaped contemporary art.

The transformation of Independent 20th Century into this newly expansive format marks a sharp contrast to its earlier editions held at the more compact Cipriani South Street venue. This larger footprint mirrors the fair’s roots when it began in 2008 amid the Great Recession as a small non-profit endeavor called X.

Dee reflects on those early days, bringing together a diverse group of gallerists, artists, and industry leaders. “I gathered a community around the shared philosophy of innovating how we approach exhibition-making,” she notes, recalling that 75,000 visitors attended during that first year in West Chelsea.

The early days featured a little-known curator named Cecilia Alemani, who, with minimal resources, played a critical role in shaping the community's vision. Dee attributes much of the organization’s progress to that initial blend of ambition and resilience.

Madeline Lissner, global head of fine art at Sotheby’s, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “The combination of the fair’s curatorial strength and the building’s architectural legacy will create a remarkable experience for galleries, collectors, and the public alike.”

The Breuer Building, recently acquired by Sotheby's, is set to respect its architectural significance during the renovation process. Anticipation builds as the fair's debut at this historic site approaches, promising a vast array of international galleries.

Looking ahead, Sotheby’s plans to transition to its Madison Avenue headquarters in 2025, enhancing its long-term growth strategy. As the Independent 20th Century Fair embarks on this new chapter, its trajectory illustrates the ongoing evolution within the art world, where collaboration and community engagement remain paramount.