The 13th annual Dallas Art Fair will be held at Fashion Industry Gallery on November 11. Last year, the fair canceled its annual event, but hosted “Four x Five,” a smaller hybrid in-person and virtual exhibition that was composed of works from nine art galleries. There is no word yet on which galleries plan to participate, but this year’s edition presents works from world renowned street artist Swoon, Hong Kong-based artist Chris Huen Sin Kan, and sibling artist duo Scott and Tyson Reeder.
“After more than 18 months of uncertainty, we cannot stress enough how happy we are to finally reopen our doors in the fall. People are eager to see art in person and revitalize the creative economy, so we will do everything possible to make that experience safe for our collectors, dealers, and visitors this November,” said Dallas Art Fair Director Kelly Cornell in a statement.
In preparation for the in-person event, the organization is adhering to CDC guidelines and mandating masks. This year’s fair will operate at a reduced capacity to allow room for social distancing among guests. (Of course, the most effective way to avoid a coronavirus infection is by getting vaccinated.)
“The House Our Families Built,” Swoon’s public art installation, will be on display at Klyde Warren Park from November 11 to November 14. Previously shown in New York City and Turner Carroll Gallery in Santa Fe, this is the installation’s first presentation in Texas. Swoon transformed a 14-foot box truck into an outdoor sculptural “house.” Painted portraits of family members, picture frames, and furniture fill the house’s interior, which inspires visitors to think about their respective families, and how families influence our perception of self.
In addition to Swoon’s narrative-driven installation, New York’s Simon Lee Gallery is presenting new paintings from Chris Huen Sin Kan. Fellow New York presenter Canada Gallery will bring a thematic installation of paintings, ceramics, and a performance by the Reeder brothers.
Last year, the Dallas Art Fair came under fire after it refused to reimburse their exhibitor fees. Thirty-four of those galleries wrote a letter to the organization threatening not to return; just one was from Dallas and the rest were from other states or countries. As the fair hasn’t released the lineup, it isn’t clear how many of those will participate. Most Dallas exhibitors said they understood the decision to not reimburse and value the fair as a way to get in front of gallerists and art lovers from Dallas and beyond.
General admission tickets are on sale for the three day event. The fair kicks off with a VIP preview event on November 11.
