Providing moments of invigoration and meditation, this year’s installment of The Armory Show—the acclaimed international art fair born in NYC circa 1994—opens within the sprawling Javits Center to the public today (though preceded by an off-site installation). Inspiration radiates from the network of exhibits, presented by 240 galleries and representing more than 30 countries. This year’s notable sub-sections—Focus, entitled Landscape Undone, curated by Carla Acevedo-Yates and addressing the intersectionality of global crisis; Presents, featuring solo shows or dual presentations from galleries under 10 years old; and the large-scale works of Platform, curated by Tobias Ostrander and entitled Monumental Change—brim with highlights. Across the entire fair, our editorial team found that works of unexpected texture set an exciting new standard.
Suchitra Mattai
Born in Guyana and now based in Denver, Colorado, Suchitra Mattai is of Indo-Caribbean descent and has lived in various countries—all of which influences her artistic practice. Through her rich multi-disciplinary work, she often examines colonialism and its impact on her family and ancestors, while celebrating and honoring the Indian diaspora. Her pieces utilize materials like beads, ribbon, vintage fabrics, pearls and more. On show at the Kavi Gupta booth, “An Origin Story” (2022) has been carefully crafted from vintage fabrics, saris and rope net. “I say I’m a storyteller, but the story does not only come from history. When you’re thinking about what constitutes memory, it’s part truth and it’s part myth,” Mattai says in a statement, “These sari pieces become a way of connecting women of the South Asian diaspora over time, because they’re of different vintages. Being part of a diaspora community, you want to connect back to this past you no longer occupy, or have tangible evidence of.” For those who can’t make it to The Armory Show, she also has a solo show at the Chicago gallery which opens 12 November.
