New Art at New York Fair

The Spring Masters New York Fair that took place at New York’s Park Avenue Armory at the beginning of May, hosted 51 artists.  While most of these hail from America, some come from Europe and others, such as Phoenix AncientArt, which have galleries in both US and European blood running through them.  Many of these are first time exhibitors.

The particular attraction with this fair is that it is located in the hub of Manhattan.  According to manager of C Grimaldis Gallery, Jennifer Tam, “New York provides access to important local and international collectors.”  Thus as well as European and American artists, Hidenori Ishii (Japanese), Chul Hyun Ahn (Busan-born) and others are exhibiting their works.  New York is home to international art and the fair reflects that.

In addition to its global attraction, the fair is bringing more affordable artworks as well.  As one gallery spokesmen pointed out, some of the paintings that were brought to the fair were from new artists including Linda Saccoccio and Eva Malhotra.  Exhibit attendees can purchase their works for as little as $3,000.

One dealer exhibiting, Armand Bartos, explained why he appreciates this fair so much.  “The art market has become increasingly event driven, and collectors seem to like the social interaction provided by fairs and auctions ... As a dealer, I want to be at the fairs, which is where the collectors are! They come to the fairs to buy. Also the fair offers me, as a private art dealer, a good venue where my clients and I can sell fine works of art. The transactions are discreet. The works of art don’t get ‘burned’ as they are when they go unsold at auction.”

New York Ancient Art Gallery Unveils New Exhibition



'Sacred Scents and Flames from the Ancient World'-
Phoenix Ancient Art

Phoenix Ancient Art, a dealer of rare and exquisite antiquities, recently unveiled a new exhibition called “Sacred Scents and Flames from the Ancient World.” The gallery, which will be displayed at the art dealer’s New York gallery, will showcase numerous items that were previously unpublished.

“The exhibition gives a fascinating opportunity to see an important selection of ancient lamps and the incense burners and to explore how the ancient civilizations of Pre-Classical and Classical world designed their lighting devices,” explained Ali Aboutaam, president of Phoenix Ancient Art.

“From the very beginning, various religions worshipped the eternal, divine flame, and even the most powerful kings had to pay a tribute to a flame. Incense, which is closely linked to fire and flame, quickly became the important element in the liturgical ceremonies in various religions,” he continued. “An Islamic bronze censer shaped as a feline, which is dated to the 11^th century A.D., is a masterpiece of the bronze cast technique; its surface is an open work in the shape of floral motifs, which allowed the perfumed smoke to escape and spread.”

Mr. Aboutaam went on to say that “Beside sensational gold and silver incense burners, elaborate and also expensive bronze lamps, there is a great number of rather simple clay Roman lamps which were apparently affordable for many at that time, but what an amazing information a contemporary collector can get looking at their reliefs. The bucolic scenes inspired by Virgil’s verses; a libation onto a small altar accompanied by a music; the images of Capitoline deities, the gladiatorial fight- it is like the life of the great Rome is reviving on these small representations.”

Spring Show NYC Takes Off at the Park Avenue Armory

The Spring Show NYC is underway and collectors, art enthusiasts and tourists are flocking to the 67^th Street Armory to experience rare and magnificent art. The show features exhibits from dealers from all over the world, showcasing exquisite collections and antiques ranging from 5000 BC to the 19^th century.

In a string of private interviews, Gail Shields-Miller explored the exhibits of three of the most prestigious dealers in the show. She discussed each one in her design blog.

At Carlton Hobbs, “the emphasis is on unique, rare and collectible. Every piece has a special story about it and comes with an impeccable provenance.” She explained that Carlton Hobbs “occupies a rarefied strata in the antiques business, and primarily seeks out furniture and art which belonged originally to royal families and aristocrats or famous architects of that period in history.”

Next, Miller visited the Lillian Nassau exhibit, which features Tiffany Studio pieces such as lamps, windows, glass, desk accessories and pottery.
“You can also find European ceramics,” Miller wrote. “There was a fabulous collection of vases that caught my eye… and metal work by such luminaries as Albert Paley. The list goes on with several pieces of studio furniture from such notable as George Nakashima, Phil Powell, Wendell Castle and Paul Evans.”

Last, Miller met with Hicham Aboutaam of Phoenix AncientArt. The antiquities dealer manages a collection of rare, precious items from 5000 BC to 14 AD.

Miller wrote, “Collecting and selling antiquities is not only a business but is a manner in which the world learns about past civilizations. The particular selection at Phoenix Ancient Art includes objects from civilizations that lived in Europe, the Near East, Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Balkans, Eurasia as well as from the Greek, Roman and Byzantine eras in history.”