New Manhattan Art Fair Infused with Estonian Flavour
Esther, a new art fair launching in conjunction with Frieze New York at The Estonian House (1-4 May), draws inspiration from the pop-up arts program Basel Social Club and the cultural richness of Estonia. The founders, Margot Samel and Olga Temnikova, envision the fair as a collaborative exhibition rather than a traditional art fair. Situated in a historic Beaux Arts building on East 34th Street, The Estonian House is a cultural hub for Estonians outside of Estonia.
With a focus on providing an alternative model for galleries, Esther offers affordable rates for display spaces, starting at just $1,500. This innovative approach aims to attract international galleries to Estonia and introduce Estonian collectors to the global art scene. By partnering with the Estonian government, Esther is able to offer lower costs compared to many other art fairs, allowing galleries to be more experimental in their presentations.
The fair boasts a diverse roster of participants, including galleries from New York, London, the Midwest, Europe, and China. Exhibitors showcase a range of artists, from Jan Wade and Vladislav Markov to Tamo Jugeli and Dominique Knowles. Temnikova & Kasela presents works by Jaanus Sama and Nina Vynnyk, while Samel features artists like Kris Lemsalu and Bertha Leonard.
In addition to her involvement in European art fairs, Temnikova’s experience in Moscow’s Cosmoscow art fair adds to the fair’s international appeal. Despite political tensions, Esther remains committed to promoting art and cultural exchange, bridging gaps between galleries and fostering creativity in a supportive environment.
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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.