How Venice Biennale Shaped the Independent 20th Century Art Scene
The global south is a widely discussed topic in the art world right now. Elizabeth Dee, the founder of the Independent art fair and its counterpart, Independent 20th Century, emphasizes this trend. The fair, held in the historic Battery Maritime Building, focuses on 20th-century artists, challenging the eurocentric view of the period by showcasing marginalized voices. This year, the fair highlights Surrealist art, US art from the 1950s, and the Latin diaspora. Newcomers like Gomide&Co and Galerie MaPa from São Paulo are showcasing artists like Julia Isídrez and Maria Lira Marques. African Brazilian activist Abdias do Nascimento will have his posthumous New York debut at Galerie MaPa. Heitor dos Prazeres, an African Brazilian artist known for his samba-inspired artwork, will be featured at Galatea and Simões de Assis. Alison Jacques Gallery will exhibit the weavings of Lenore Tawney, a prominent fibre artist. OSMOS gallery presents Richard Bell, an Australian Aboriginal activist challenging Western art constructs. The fair also includes big-name artists like Picasso and Heinz Mack with a focus on their lesser-known works. The Independent 20th Century fair aims to broaden the art canon and restore unwritten histories.
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Cillian O’Rourke, studied at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, Ireland, where he majored in Visual Communication. His work spans graphic design, illustration, and branding, with a distinct minimalist style that emphasizes simplicity and impact. Cillian has collaborated with international brands and runs his own design studio focusing on creative solutions for startups.