NEW YORK, NY.- Moniker International Art Fair, the premier showcase of Urban Art and its related subcultures, closed its second New York edition on a high note Sunday, May 5, 2019. Newly relocated from Greenpoint to a 15,000 square foot former retail space in Manhattan’s NoHo district (718 Broadway), Moniker 2019 featured a hyper-curated lineup of 28 exhibitors and four Special Projects, hailing from 13 countries around the globe. Their Manhattan debut reported strong sales and over 8,500 visitors over the course of the 5-day event.
“This year we were able to accomplish what we have been trying to do in London for the last 10 years. With the New York fair we saw more international exhibitors and the convergence of the artworld including legendary photographer Martha Cooper alongside younger artists such as Miss Van from Barcelona. We’re building a global community; it's not about quick sales, it's about long term engagement with the artists throughout their careers” says Tina Ziegler, Fair Director.
Moniker’s curated presentation was organized around the theme, Cause & Effect, which examines our shared roles and commitments in addressing the current state of political, social and ecological injustices. Highlights included four Special Projects including a reflective, spinning sculpture by Yok & Sheryo, a SAFE House structure built by the art collective WE ARE FATHERLESS, a massive installation by assemblage artist Hyland Mather, presented by Paradigm Gallery and a retrospective installation by WK Interact that charts his street art over the past 20 years in New York.
Moniker presented a wide range of programming throughout the week starting with Collectors Day, a full day of talks by experts across the art world including Evan Pricco (Editor-in-Chief of Juxtapoz Magazine), Yasha Young (Director and Curator of Urban Nation Museum, Berlin), Katie Wilson-Milne (Art Law Podcast) and Muys Snijders (Bonhams). Continuing through the weekend, visitors were able to attend panel discussions on topics such as Building a Collection, The War of Messaging, being a catalyst for change and mental health; a screening of films by Dog Section film and Fredric King; and musical performances by Gene Shinozaki, Kenny Urban, NaPoM, Amit and Chris Celiz.
"It has been a long term goal of mine to come to New York, and it's been a great opportunity for my first trip to be part of the wonderful Moniker Art Fair. Throughout the week, I've had a chance to meet influential people and connect with a New York audience. I've sold two paintings and have heard positive reactions to my work," says artist Christian Boehmer.
“One of the most impressive aspects of Moniker, to me as a curator, is how the different booths play off of each other and the attention to detail. This adds to the highly curated experience of the fair. Run by strong women, Moniker brings a diverse crowd of fairgoers and we were able to sell five pieces into one collection,” says Jenn Hampton co-Owner Parlor Gallery.
"For us, Moniker was successful in the sense of connections we made with other artists, galleries, Moniker staff, and all the new fans and collectors. We sold steady from before the start of the show until after the show closed," says Fatherless Print Posse.
