Autumn is a season of transformation, and the world of contemporary art is no exception. As the leaves change color and the air grows crisper, the art world comes alive with a flurry of activity, showcasing the latest and greatest in contemporary art.
If Spring and Summer fairs are predominantly Asian, with the likes of ArtSG in Singapore, Art Basel Hong Kong, Taipei Dangdai, or Art Fair Tokyo, in Autumn many of the major fairs happen around Europe, with few exceptions.
And since Autumn is fast approaching, in this article we will take a closer look at the top 5 contemporary art fairs for this season, where art enthusiasts and collectors can immerse themselves in a world of creativity and innovation.
The autumn of 2023 promises to be a season of inspiration and innovation in the world of contemporary art. From London to Miami, from old masters to emerging artists, these top 5 art fairs offer a diverse range of artistic experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply an art enthusiast, these fairs provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the creative spirit of today’s artists. So, mark your calendars and prepare to be captivated by the exceptional artworks that will grace these exhibitions, shaping the future of contemporary art.
SWAB – Barcelona (October 5-8, 2023)
Swab is an independent fair and experimental platform for emerging artistic proposals, originally founded in 2006 by the architect and collector Joaquín Diez-Cascón. Bringing together up to 80 galleries from the international scene, the fair is a great place to discover younger artists and support emerging galleries. On that note, Swab Barcelona aims to bring together a representative sample of the emerging talent that is defining the future of the art market. Thanks to a selection committee, the collaborating curators and the team of the fair are committed to the freshest proposals on the international scene, reflecting the latest trends of the moment and giving visibility to young and innovative projects.
And if you pair it with the incredible vibes that the city of Barcelona offers, this is the perfect excuse for a trip to Spain or Catalonia. In October the weather is perfect, and summer seems almost endless there. Should we add more?
SWAB Barcelona Art Fair
October 5-8, 2023
Pabellón Textil. Fira de Barcelona, Avinguda Rius i Taulets, 10, 08004 Barcelona
Info and tickets: swab.es
Frieze London & Frieze Masters – London (October 11-15, 2023)
If you had enough of Summer and beaches, and all you want is sweaters, hot teas, and gloomy weather, then London might be the perfect destination for you this Autumn. And the perfect time to be there is mid-October, when a plethora of art fairs and events take place in the British capital. From 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair (12 – 15 October 2023), to Frieze, London has something for every fair aficionado. In particular, the two major events are Frieze London and Frieze Masters. Held annually in Regent’s Park, London, the two fairs are among the most prestigious in the world. Frieze London focuses on contemporary art, featuring works by established and emerging artists from around the globe. Meanwhile, Frieze Masters offers a unique perspective, showcasing art from ancient to modern times. Together, these two fairs create a diverse and captivating experience for art lovers.
Frieze London & Frieze Masters
October 11-15, 2023
The Regent’s Park (Park Square West), NW1 4LL, London
Info and tickets: www.frieze.com
Paris+ par Art Basel – Paris (October 20-22, 2023)
Just across the Channel, and a short train ride away from London, Paris is yet another perfect location for an Autumn trip. The season is perfect to visit the French capital, with its cozy spots and chic atmosphere. And what better occasion than an art fair, especially if powered by Art Basel?
In its second edition, Paris+ will host in 2023 154 International galleries, primarily inside the Grand Palais Éphémère, together with a rich program of talks, events, and performances in collaboration with the major institutions and galleries across the city. For 2023, the fair is split into two sectors.
Galeries is the main exhibition sector of Paris+ par Art Basel, which features galleries specializing in Modern and contemporary art, displaying work of exceptional quality including paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, photography, video, and digital art. On the contrary, the Galeries Émergentes sector, with the group Galeries Lafayette as the Official Partner, gathers exhibitors presenting young and emerging artists through solo presentations.
Paris+ par Art Basel
October 20-22, 2023
Grand Palais Éphémère, 2 place Joffre, 75007, Paris
Info and tickets: parisplus.artbasel.com
Artissima – Torino (November 3-5, 2023)
Just a little bit further South (all in all, this is a great itinerary through Europe, that is easily accessible by train), at the beginning of November we can move to Torino and visit Artissima.
Artissima is Italy’s most important contemporary art fair and major galleries from around the world participate every year.
The fair is divided into several sections, namely Main Section, Monologue/Dialogue, New Entries, Art Spaces & Editions, but it also comprises three curated sections, headed by a board of international curators and museum directors, devoted to emerging artists (Present Future), to the rediscovery of the pioneers of contemporary art (Back to the Future) and to the drawing (Disegni). Hosted at the Oval Lingotto, the fair is a great chance to discover a less touristy but incredibly beautiful city, Torino, which unfortunately is not as popular as other Italian cities. You can easily pair the visit with a visit to the many museums and galleries the city has to offer, all of which offer a rich program of events during the Torino Art Week, as well as a visit to nearby cities, like Milan, all easily accessible by train.
Artissima
November 3-5, 2023
OVAL Lingotto Fiere, via Giacomo Mattè Trucco, 70, Torino
Info and tickets: www.artissima.art
Art Basel Miami Beach – Miami (December 7-10, 2023)
Last but definitely not least, at the beginning of December takes place the most flamboyant of all art fairs, Art Basel Miami Beach. The fair is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the cutting edge of contemporary art in a vibrant and dynamic setting. This Miami-based fair attracts art enthusiasts, collectors, and curators from all corners of the globe, together with a rich group of artists, performers, and all sorts of people looking for an audience to impress. But if you are primarily interested in art, rather than people-watching, Art Basel Miami Beach is still a great spot to be. With its stunning location and a lineup of the world’s leading galleries, the fair is a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art and throughout its editions, it has hosted significant expressions and cutting-edge works, like the famous Maurizio Cattelan’s Banana, Comedian, presented by Perrotin at the 2019 edition of the fair.
Art Basel Miami Beach
December 7-10, 2023
Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Info and tickets: www.artbasel.com
Cover image by Galleria Continua at Art Basel Miami Beach 2022 – Photo Courtesy of Art Basel
Get in touch