As the vibrant colors of autumn envelop Europe, the art world gears up for an equally vibrant season of art fairs. Instead of focusing on the massive, global fairs we all know and love, I want to take you on a journey through some of the most exciting, niche fairs this autumn—events dedicated to emerging artists, African and Asian art, and experimental practices. While we can always appreciate the grandeur of an Art Basel, sometimes it’s refreshing to dive deep into the areas of contemporary art that truly ignite our passions.
So, whether you’re passionate about discovering new talents in Barcelona, exploring African art in London, or immersing yourself in the Asian art scene in Paris, these fairs promise rich, diverse experiences for those keen on more focused engagements with contemporary art. With all the events taking place in Europe, you won’t need to cross the globe to encounter the freshest artistic expressions and perspectives—just pack your bag and immerse yourself in these captivating exhibitions.
Ready to embrace the art-filled autumn across Europe? Here are four fairs that should definitely be on your radar.
1. Swab Barcelona: Nurturing Emerging Talent
Let’s start in Barcelona, where Swab continues to shine as a platform for discovering emerging artists and experimental practices. From October 3rd to 6th, 2024, the fair will once again showcase the cutting edge of contemporary art, with a strong emphasis on young galleries and artists who are just on the verge of international recognition. This year’s focus includes exciting galleries from Latin America, Tokyo, and Seoul—offering a truly global perspective while remaining grounded in its intimate, experimental roots.
Set against the lively cultural backdrop of Barcelona, Swab is one of those fairs that always leaves me inspired. I love its curated sections like “Swab Seed,” which supports artist-run spaces, and “My FAF,” a special area for galleries making their first appearance at an international fair. If you’re looking to connect with the future of contemporary art, Swab is definitely worth a visit.
Swab Barcelona Art Fair
Pabellón textil de la Fira de Montjuic, Av. de Rius i Taulet, 10, Barcelona
October 3rd-6th, 2024
Info and tickets: swab.es
2. 1-54 London: Showcasing African Art
Next, let’s hop over to London for 1-54. Running from October 11th to 13th, 2024, it is a perfect excuse for a British weekend getaway. Established in 2013, the fair is dedicated to African contemporary art and its global diaspora. With three editions per year—in London, New York, and Marrakech, 1-54 offers a specialized platform for galleries and artists from the African continent and beyond. For its 2024 London edition, 1-54 returns to the stunning Somerset House, showcasing more than 60 galleries that bring together over 160 established names and rising stars and offer a unique look into the richness and diversity of African contemporary art right in the center of London.
With an accompanying program of talks and curated events, 1-54 ensures a comprehensive experience for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re familiar with African art or new to the scene, this fair provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the continent’s creative output.
1-54 London
Somerset House, Strand, London
October 12th–15th, 2024
Info and tickets: www.1-54.com
3. Asia NOW Paris: Spotlight on Asian Art
From London, it’s an easy train ride to Paris, where you can visit Asia NOW, the premier European fair dedicated to contemporary Asian art. Running from October 17th to 22nd, 2024, this year marks the fair’s 10th edition, and it’s growing stronger with every year. Asia NOW bridges the gap between Europe and Asia, covering 45 countries across Central, East, and Southeast Asia, offering an impressive variety of both emerging and established artists.
What I love about Asia NOW is how it captures the rapidly evolving art scenes in cities like Tokyo, Seoul, and Beijing, all under one roof. Plus, it’s held during Paris Art Week, so you can soak up the city’s vibrant art atmosphere while you’re there. With a rich mix of galleries and a thoughtfully curated public program, this fair is a must for anyone looking to engage with the fast-moving Asian art market.
Asia NOW Paris
Monnaie de Paris, 11 Quai de Conti, Paris
October 17th–22nd, 2024
Info and tickets: asianowparis.com
5. The Others Torino
For the final stop on our autumn art tour, let’s head to Turin—one of my favorite cities in Italy, though often overlooked. The beginning of November is the perfect time to visit, especially with Torino’s exciting Art Week and the Club2Club music festival happening at the same time. But for me, The Others Art Fair is the real draw.
Running from October 31st to November 3rd, 2024, The Others focuses on independent spaces, artist-run initiatives, and avant-garde galleries. It’s all about experimental, non-mainstream art, and I love how the fair pushes boundaries in terms of both the art and its venue choices. This year, it’s being held in the International Labour Organisation’s building inside the beautiful Valentino Park—a setting that perfectly complements the unconventional spirit of the fair. If you’re after something truly off the beaten path for your Autumn art fairs, The Others is an unmissable experience.
The Others Fair
ILO – International Labour Organisation, Viale Maestri del Lavoro, 10, Torino
October 31st – November 3rd, 2024
Info and tickets: theothersartfair.com
Cover image SWAB 2023 Archive, courtesy of Swab Barcelona Art Fair
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