The Clio Art Fair began small, but with a grand idea: to empower independent artists following the motto "Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can be born anywhere".
If you enter a bookstore, how many books can you read in a day? Similarly, if you attend a large-scale fair, how many works of art can you truly appreciate? This is why Clio has chosen to position itself among the major players in the art market through a fair organized in spaces that never exceed 5,000 square feet, avoiding tiring the visitor's eyes and minimizing excessive competition among exhibitors.
Launched in 2014, Clio Art Fair sought to challenge the established art fair model by providing a platform exclusively for independent artists. Named after the Greek Muse of History, Clio embodies a fresh perspective, offering an alternative to larger, more traditional art fairs dominated by blue-chip galleries and high-priced artworks.
What sets Clio Art Fair apart is its commitment to democratizing art and fostering direct connections between artists and collectors. Unlike conventional fairs, where galleries reign supreme, Clio dedicates individual exhibition spaces to each artist, allowing for unfiltered interactions and a more intimate viewing experience.
For its tenth anniversary and biannual event, Clio has returned to a new location in the exclusive Chelsea neighborhood. The fair's new space reflects its evolution and growing prominence within the art world while staying true to its ethos of accessibility and inclusivity.
With approximately 250 works on display, representing 50 independent artists, Clio Art Fair showcases a diverse range of contemporary art forms, including painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and installations. From established talents to emerging voices, the fair celebrates artistic expression in all its forms, with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to around $40,000.
One of the highlights of this year's edition is the special section titled "Why War?" featuring thought-provoking works by artists from diverse cultural backgrounds. Artists Ola Rondiak and Raisa Nosova present their collaboration, "Sweet Dream," a poignant acrylic collage with a glass overlay exploring themes of conflict and reconciliation. Additionally, Pakistani-American artist Qinza Najm will perform her powerful piece, "No Honor In Killing," sparking conversations about identity, violence, and societal change.
Clio Art Fair will be open from May 2nd to May 5th at 520 W 24th st, NY 10011. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official website at https://www.clioartfair.com/visitor-info-may-2-5