Art & Inspiration Blog

SCOPE Hamptons returned to the East End for the for its consecutive fourth year, and once again transformed 25,000 square-foot East Hampton Studios into a space that this year housed over 40 gallery booths and events from July 24 to 27, 2008. The SCOPE Contemporary Art fairs were begun and are run by Executive Director Alexis Hubshman and have introduced both galleries and artists to the international art community.

SCOPE fairs always introduce new galleries and artists, so they are fun places to make discoveries, plus since many galleries regularly participate, it is also an opportunity to say hello to friends.

The opening VIP Preview, had collector VIPS in attendance, such as Beth Rudin DeWoody, Bonnie Clearwater, Kim Levin and Dennis Oppenheim, plus others who had generously volunteered their time to the first Collector Mentorship Auction to benefit the Scope foundation’s “The Girl Project” and “The Arctic Circle Project”.

New collectors learn about well known collectors at the Collector Mentorship Auction

It was fun to chat with local fast becoming a celebrity artist, David Gamble in the busy booth of the Keszler Gallery of Southampton, NY, which represents his work. David is the President of the Artists Secret Society (A.S.S.), both the website (again, have your speakers on) and their new local exhibition space for new and experimental works located in East Hampton. Gallerist Stephan Keszler is also a local celebrity himself. Stephan’s splendid home can be seen in the latest edition of Hamptons Cottages and Gardens. Aside from David’s work (which sold well at the fair), I especially resonated to the Keszler Gallery’s piece by Banksy of the chimp carrying a placard that reads, “Laugh now, but one day we’ll be in charge”.

BANKSY Laugh Now

RARE Gallery’s Rare Gallery’s booth, returning agia to this fair presents new and emerging artists and always, including at their Chelsea site, has interesting work.

As usual, after touring the fair, I went home to mull over the art I had seen. The next day, At Kevin Bruk Gallery’s booth a painting by Jason Middlebrook was already sold and off the wall. Several galleries were selling well and allowing collectors to take the works right off the walls and carry them home. Another booth with and ever changing display was the Rhys Gallery, which meant that they brought out work by Judith Larson, which I mentioned in an article on last summer’s Scope.

The booth with the best overall presentation of their works was – without a doubt – the Red Truck Gallery (do go to this link and make sure your speakers are turned on!) Actually, the presentation was almost performance art, as Noah Antieau played cards, drank beers and basically held court funky New Orleans style, surrounded by visionary works bt his friends and family, including by his mother (and she is good). This Friday’s post by Ben Davis at artnet.com’s Magazine duplicates what I intended, so read that too.

Noah Antieau in the Red Truck Gallery booth at SCOPE Hamptons ’08

Sundram Tagore was the only gallery that had a booth at both ArtHamptons and ScopeHamptons. Opening night I enjoyed meeting Sundram, who has a unique and for me laudable mission statement for his gallery available at its website. I especially appreciated the portraits by Lee Waisler in this booth.

Jacob Karpio Galeria’s booth featured works by Lluis Barba, a photographer who inserts other photographed images and logos into photographs of iconic paintings. The work I saw in the booth was a reworking of a Pieter Bruegel the Elder, which was far too large with small details to fairly represent in a small jpeg online. However, you can see the idea at the galley’s website in a flash presentation under the Exhibitions tab.

Salomon Contemporary had a booth at the fair and also hosted the Opening Reception a the gallery space in the woods of East Hampton. Along with champagne, dessert, and music, VIPs and guests were treated to a show with a large mural by Michael Bilsborough.

James Salomon before a work by artist Darius Yektai

In keeping with its Green Initiative, there was a panel discussion focused on eco friendly choices, followed by a reception at the HC7G Idea House. Scope continues to use eco friendly materials, such as printing promotional materials with soy ink and recycling when possible.

Finally, here are two opportunities for artists:

First, at the VIP Preview I met Hannah Gibson, Assistant Director of NURTRUEART, a not for prof8it in Williamsburg. Hannah is eager to help emerging artists through the various programs they have. Check out the website.

Second, when a Scope rolls into a city, James MacDonald helps to staff it with people who help in various ways. Based in NYC and staffing many events, but especially the SCOPE fairs, James is especially eager to hire artists. So, if you plan to be in Miami, NY, the Hamptons, London, etc., during the fair, contact james@baldwinavenuegroup.com. James knows my blog and asked me to get the word out. Do not contact me about this opportunity as I am not associated with the Baldwin Group, but watching the people who were working at the fair, it seems to me that working at one could be a good opportunity for an artist to make friends with a gallery.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 4th, 2008 at 4:15 am and is filed under Art Theory and Show Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.