Margot Samel and Olga Temnikova’s unconventional design pioneer, Esther Art Fair, returns with a boothless layout that encourages immersive experiences and unexpected connections. This year’s edition features an exciting lineup of galleries and artists, including Sophie Tappeiner and Sara.
The second edition of the Esther Art Fair, titled Esther II, has arrived at the historic Estonian House on East 34th Street in New York City. Founded by Margot Samel of the eponymous New York gallery and Olga Temnikova of Temnikova & Kasela in Tallinn, Estonia, Esther is a salon-style fair that offers an alternative to the bustling commercial sprawl of traditional art fairs.
A Collaborative Exhibition Model Without Booths
Esther isn’t trying to compete with the bigger players. Instead, it offers something more focused: a collaborative exhibition model with no booths in a distinctive atmosphere. This format allows for an interconnected experience that encourages slower looking and more unexpected connections among visitors.
The Esther Art Fair is an annual event that showcases the work of emerging artists from around the world.
Founded in 2010, the fair has become a premier platform for discovering new talent and trends in contemporary art.
With a focus on innovation and creativity, the fair features a diverse range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and installation art.
Each year, the fair attracts thousands of visitors and critics, offering a unique opportunity for artists to gain exposure and build their careers.
Shifting Vision and Expanded Spaces
Since its debut last year, Esther‘s vision has shifted slightly, but the founders remain committed to their model of flexibility, accessibility, and responsiveness. For this year’s edition, they’ve expanded into additional spaces, including a ‘showroom’ for design. This expansion allows them to create a more sensual, personal experience during ‘Frieze’ week.
The boothless layout influences the way art is viewed at Esther significantly. By removing traditional booth structures, the fair’s founders aim to curate an immersive experience where each artwork must be considered in relation to its surroundings and neighbors. This approach encourages fluidity and unexpected connections among visitors.
A Human-Scale Fair
Esther positions itself between an art fair and a curated group exhibition. The founders hope this model speaks to collectors, institutions, curators, or artists looking for a unique experience that’s both intimate and engaging.
No Pressure to Grow
Unlike many fairs that are scaling up with more booths, sponsors, and cities, Esther is focused on carving out a new kind of niche in the increasingly crowded fair landscape. The founders have committed to limiting growth, prioritizing excitement and authenticity over scale.
Standout Artists and Highlights
This year’s edition features an exciting lineup of galleries and artists. Two standout artists to watch are Sophie Tappeiner, who will be showing work by Jasmine Gregory, and Sara, presenting Ellie Rae Hunter‘s works from her Fixers series. These artists offer a unique perspective on human experience, vulnerability, and strength.
As Esther continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to its core values of collaboration, flexibility, and inclusivity remains unwavering. With its boothless layout and focus on experiential storytelling, Esther II is poised to become a must-visit destination for art lovers in New York City.
