nunu

Let’s face it. Times are tough in the U.S., economically speaking, and it will be interesting to see the outcome of sales at the art fairs this weekend in New York (the barometer of the art market). There’s signs that we’ve reached a saturation point, and it’s a feat of endurance to attend them all. So which one to attend? There are fairs for the blue chip buyers and galleries (the Armory), with a steep price tag to match ($30 to get in - Six Flags Magic Art Fair), there are the younger fairs like Volta NY and Pulse where the focus is on the up-and-coming ($10 and $15, respectively).

And then there’s the Dark Fair - a two-day event at the Swiss Institute that takes place without the use of natural or electric light: “An international selection of galleries and artists will display work custom to these conditions, using candlelight, flashlights, oil lamps, work that glows in the dark, light sculpture, battery powered film and video, and unplugged performances.”

Sounds intriguing, like art for the impending apocalypse perhaps? And at $5, this fair is your best bet for the present dark age (of thinning wallets).

Where: Swiss Institute (495 Broadway, 3rd Fl, 212.925.2035). When: Friday, March 28 (6pm-midnight) and Saturday, Mar 29 (12-9pm)