The Affordable Art Fair

One of the many advantages of living in NYC is the all-access pass to art that you get 24/7/365. It could be the museums, the galleries, the auction houses, the graffiti on the walls, or the myriad of art fairs that seem to be held every weekend from September through May.

This weekend, the Affordable Art Fair has come to town. To be clear, affordable is artwork priced $10,000 or less. Happily, I have to say that some of the best work I saw was in the lower half of that price range.

For you locals, the fair runs through Sunday and is most definitely worth a visit. For those of you who cannot come to NYC and do not have access to these types of events, consider this your (very biased) private showing of some of my favorites.

Lee Kwan Woo

Lilac Gallery

Lee Kwan Woo hand carves every stamp that is used to create the undulating surface of his unique works. They are mesmerizing in person.

Russell Frampton

Will's Art Warehouse

The closer I got to these pieces from Russell Frampton, the more I was entranced. It is the smallest of detail, mark and line that makes a large impact in these vessel-like structures he creates.

Michele Mikesell

Decorazon

I have seen Michele Mikesell's work at the AAF for many years and I am always drawn to the figures that she paints that seem to have their own personality, emotions and just the right amount of quirk.

Russell West

Woolff Gallery

I have seen Russell West's work before both in NYC and in London. These pieces are quite compelling and fascinating. His piece below was so new that it still carried the scent of the oil paint.

Noelle Hamlyn

Lustre Art

Noelle Hamlyn layers these bobbins (and other objects) with salt-encrusted hand spun paper. They are gorgeous and completely unlike any other surface treatment I have seen before.

Michael Phillipp Schnitzer

Galerie Juliane Hundertmark

I loved the surfaces created by Michael Philipp Schnitzer, who was one of the few artists actually at the show and who graciously took the time to explain how he created this effect layer after layer.

Daniel Sueiras

Galerie Juliane Hundertmark

This salon-style wall of art from Daniel Sueiras captivated me, as did his portraiture of animals, complete with the perfect choice of frames. Front and center was this wonderful piece.

And speaking of, artwork featuring animals of all sorts and in all forms was a huge trend at this show.   While there was of course the requisite dogs and cats, it looks like rhinos and elephants - often juxtaposed in unexpected backgrounds - are trending.

Gabriele Buratti

Palma Arte

(detail)

Nathalie Boissonnault

Arteria Gallery

(detail)

Edouard Buzon

Galerie Envie d'art

(detail)

Sebastien Levigne

The Linda Blackstone Gallery

(detail)

Also trending at the show were portraits with flowers.

Minas Halaj

Retrospect Gallery

The work from Minas Halaj was hands down my favorite in this category, with his florals collaged with appliqués, fabric, buttons, and painted paper. 

Share your favorites in the comments.

The Affordable Art Fair runs through Sunday March 25 at The Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea.