1.17.19 / New York / New York

The Outsider Art Fair Returns With an Eclectic Array of Art

With spotlights on non-conformist Chinese art, and the influential dealer Phyllis Kind

Beginning today the Outsider Art Fair returns to New York, bringing along some of the most interesting work from largely self-taught artists. Now in its 27th New York edition, the Outsider Art Fair is a sharp contrast to many of the other fairs in the city, which often prioritize commercial pieces curated to appease buyers. While those often result in bringing an array of famous works in one place—which can be entertaining in itself—they often lack the adventurous spirit of a fair like the Outsider Art Fair, where there’s always a chance of discovering a hidden talent. This is reflected in their Curated Spaces, Good Kids: Underground Comics from China, with eclectic and anti-conformist drawings and zines from Chinese artists, along with a a Curated Space dedicated to Phyllis Kind, who was an art dealer instrumental in bringing attention to outsider artists and showing their work alongside contemporary figures. The lineup is as diverse and fascinating as ever, and once again provides an opportunity for viewers to engage with art without the preconceived notions of the art world, the identity of artists, or their expectation of art itself.

The Outsider Art Fair is open from January 17th through the 20th at the Metropolitan Pavillion, 125 W 18th Street. Purchase tickets here.