Mission Accomplished: EXPO Chicago Announces Gallery Lineup for 5th Edition
By GINNY VAN ALYEA
EXPO CHICAGO, the International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art threw a splashy party Thursday night in the new Vista Tower sales center (the planned, 95 story Jeanne Gang design on East Wacker). The affair was to announce the list of premier international galleries that will exhibit this September 22–25 at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall.
That EXPO is marking five years is a big deal. That they are turning five in a stronger position than ever is especially notable. As presenting sponsor Northern Trust said, "Mission Accomplished, Tony."
EXPO was partly born out of the city's previously tumultous art fair history. What began decades ago as Art Expo eventually became Art Chicago, run by Thomas Blackman Associates, which was then purchased by the Merchandise Mart. EXPO CHICAGO could have been another fair more intersted in selling booth fees than rebuilding the city's international art reputation. We are all fortunate that the fair has done and continues to do well.
In its significant fifth year, EXPO CHICAGO, under the leadership of President and Director Tony Karman, announces the 2016 exhibitor list of 145 leading galleries representing 23 countries and 52 cities. Countries represented at the 2016 exposition include: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Korea, Lebanon, Mexico, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and Uruguay.
The 2016 exhibitor list was chosen by the international Selection Committee comprised of Rebecca Camacho | Anthony Meier Fine Arts, San Francisco; Stefania Bortolami | Bortolami, New York; John Corbett | Corbett vs. Dempsey, Chicago; Christopher D’Amelio | David Zwirner, New York, London; Rhona Hoffman | Rhona Hoffman Gallery, Chicago; David Nolan | David Nolan Gallery, New York; Jessica Silverman | Jessica Silverman Gallery, San Francisco; and Susanne Vielmetter | Susanne Vielmetter Los Angeles Projects, Los Angeles.
In addition to the notable Selection Committee galleries, leading exhibitors returning to EXPO CHICAGO include: The Breeder, Athens; Buchmann Galerie, Berlin, Lugano; CRG Gallery, New York; Richard Gray Gallery, Chicago, New York; Edwynn Houk Gallery, New York, Zürich; Paul Kasmin Gallery, New York; KÖNIG GALERIE, Berlin; Pearl Lam Galleries, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore; Matthew Marks Gallery, New York, Los Angeles; Marlborough, New York, London, Madrid, Barcelona; The Mayor Gallery, London; PACE, New York, London, Beijing, Hong Kong, Paris, Palo Alto; R & Company, New York; Salon 94, New York; and Galerie Thomas Schulte, Berlin.
“As we approach our fifth edition, it is important to reflect on the incredible foundation that we have built and, with pride, to herald another exceptional list of participating exhibitors,” said Karman. “On behalf of the many cultural and civic leaders, institutions, curators, collectors, dealers and artists involved, it is gratifying to welcome this diverse list of galleries to Chicago,” he added. “Five years is an important milestone to achieve—we remain focused on supporting our exhibitors with global outreach, presenting critically acclaimed international programming, creating strategic partnerships and developing new initiatives to further our trajectory.”
The list of 2016 exhibiting galleries may be viewed on EXPO's website. Chicago dealers are once again well represented.
We look forward to EXPO's return this fall, the accompanying gallery and museum events around the city, and the chance to celebrate the cultural heft that our city brings to the world stage. We know we will see the high-quality booths and exhibitions we have come to expect, and we also anticipate new programs, including the Inaugural Critics Forum, as well as the usual surprises and installations we always eagerly await.
Happy 5th, Tony and crew!
Image at top: from Charlie James Gallery, Los Angeles, EXPO 2015