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Celebrating a Decade of Clio Art Fair: The 17th Edition of The Main NYC Art Fair For Independent Artists Just Landed In Soho

As the fall art season kicks off, one of the most anticipated events in the New York art world returns: the 17th edition and 10th Anniversary of Clio Art Fair. This year’s edition, taking place from September 5-8, 2024, in the heart of Soho at 456 W Broadway, celebrates a decade of disrupting the traditional art fair model. Dubbed the “anti-fair” for independent artists, Clio has gained a reputation for fostering creativity, independence, and a sense of community and inclusion, putting the spotlight on artists who operate outside the confines of exclusive gallery representation.

Founded in 2014 by Alessandro Berni, Clio Art Fair was designed to challenge the commercial-driven nature of the typical blue-chip galleries art fair and to act as a space where creativity can flourish without the pressures of the marketplace, allowing artists to express themselves fully.

Over the years, Clio Art Fair has showcased emerging talents and seasoned artists alike, many of whom have gone on to receive broader recognition. The fair’s democratic ethos has not only maintained its anti-fair stance but also expanded its influence, becoming a vital part of the New York art scene.

This year’s Clio Art Fair is a vibrant mix of artistic styles, materials, and themes, with over 40 independent artists from around the world coming together to showcase their work, along with a special performance program titled Sugar Wrapped: A Journey Into #Transhumanism. An aesthetic contemplation of the evolving interplay between human identity, technology, and creativity.

​​​​This performance project has explored how technology is reshaping our understanding of the human condition, pushing the boundaries of identity, perception, and existence. The project invites viewers to reflect on the ethical, philosophical, and emotional implications of a future where the lines between human and machine are increasingly blurred.

The artists who have performed at the fair are Kledia Spiro, with her perfomance Press and Sniff, Holly Crawford with Kiss, Kiss, Technically Sweet (Don’t Worry), and Viruscela with Locks.

Performers Viruscela and Kledia Spiro in the midst of their performances.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout artists in this year’s edition.

Michiyoshi Deguchi: Blurring the Lines Between Tradition and Innovation

Japanese artist Michiyoshi Deguchi, based in Tokyo, brings a fascinating interplay of photography, painting, and materials like cotton and plywood to his work. His works on show exemplify his method of combining traditional Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary abstraction. By layering oil paint, photo plexiglass, and raw materials, Deguchi creates visual depth that invites viewers to contemplate the harmony and tension between natural textures and digital forms.

His work resonates with the Clio ethos of independence, as Deguchi often blends the old with the new, reflecting his cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of modern art and offering fairgoers a nuanced take on the fusion of East and West in modern aesthetics.

Works on show by artist Michiyoshi Deguchi

Mwass Githinji: Exploring African Heritage Through Contemporary Art

Kenyan-born artist Mwass Githinji, based in Nairobi, is known for his work that reflects a profound connection to African heritage. Githinji’s art is a powerful commentary on post-colonial African society, where traditions meet modernity. His work offers a raw, emotional exploration of history, memory, and the future of African culture.

At this edition’s Clio Art Fair, Githinji's work promises to draw viewers into conversations about the preservation of cultural narratives. His unique mixed media art techniques makes his work stand out as both a visual and intellectual experience.

Works on show by artist Mwass Githinji

Beth Shaw: A Journey of Found Construction

American Beth Shaw, based in NYC, explores the intersection of personal history and materiality. Her Found Construction series, partly on show at Clio, presents an intricate digital representation of collage of wood, metal, and other industrial materials that she repurposes into symbolic narratives. Shaw’s work is driven by a sense of nostalgia and reconstruction, often making subtle allusions to themes of memory and transformation.

Shaw’s works are architectural in nature, yet deeply personal, as each assemblage reflects her interactions with the world around her. By repurposing discarded materials, she imbues them with new meaning, making her work both conceptually rich and visually arresting.

Works on show by artist Beth Shaw, pictured here with her daughter

Sonia Braun: The Art of Letting Go

Argentinian artist Sonia Braun, based in Buenos Aires, explores the nuances of emotion through her dreamy photographs, which strike a delicate balance between chaos and calm, reflecting the inner tension many feel in today’s fast-paced world.

For this edition of Clio, Braun offers her I Was Born Blue installation, a personal and healing process where the artist explores memory and trauma. After miraculously surviving a severe car accident that involved a long and painful rehabilitation road, Braun found refuge in water through photography. By throwing memories into the water and swimming alongside them, she allowed herself to open up old painful wounds and give them space to heal. Thus begins the freeing process of letting go of objects and images tied to the artist’s turbulent family history. Her work is an invitation for viewers to dive into their own inner ocean. 

Works on show by artist Sonia Braun, pictured here with Alessandro Berni,

Clio Art Fair Founder and Director

Tomaz Capobianco: A Surrealistic Journey

Brazilian artist Tomaz Capobianco, based in New York, blends surrealism and abstract expressionism to create evocative works that challenge the boundaries of reality. His works feature dreamlike and abstract landscapes, pulling viewers into a world where the subconscious reigns. Capobianco’s works are infused with a deep sense of mystery and emotion, often exploring themes of identity, memory, and transformation.

His work at Clio Art Fair is bound to captivate audiences with its unique blend of abstraction and surrealism, offering a thought-provoking journey into the unknown.

Works on show by artist Tomaz Capobianco, pictured here in front of his work

Luis Accorsi: The World Through Vibrant Colors

Venezuelan artist Luis Accorsi, based in NYC, known for his vibrant use of color and texture, brings a dynamic energy to his work that is both invigorating and captivating. His figurative and surrealist pieces often play with geometric forms and fluid lines, creating a sense of movement and spontaneity. Accorsi's work reflects his passion for experimentation, pushing the boundaries of what color and form can achieve together.

His art at Clio Art Fair will provide a visually stunning experience, drawing viewers into a world of vibrant hues and intricate compositions that evoke joy and contemplation.

Works on show by artist Luis Accorsi, pictured here in front of his work

Vicky Alianelli Collective: The Power of Collaboration

The Vicky Alianelli Collective, led by the Argentine-American gallerist Vicky Alianelli, is an exciting example of how collaboration can fuel creativity. Known for putting together talented artists of various medias, the collective explores themes of migration, identity, and community. 

At Clio Art Fair, the Vicky Alianelli Collective is represented by artists Pamela Bell, Ricky Crespo, Angels Grau, Gaelle Hintzy-Marcel, set to bring a powerful collaborative project that will engage visitors in a conversation about borders—physical, emotional, and cultural—and how art can transcend these boundaries.

Works on show from the Vicky Alianelli Collective

As Clio Art Fair celebrates its 10th anniversary, it remains a crucial platform for independent artists to showcase their work in an environment free from commercial pressures. With a diverse lineup of artists like the ones we have explored and many more, this edition promises to be an inspiring journey through the world of contemporary art.

By remaining committed to its anti-fair ethos, Clio Art Fair continues to offer an inclusive space for artists to express their creativity, fostering a sense of community and dialogue that is rare in today’s art world. For art lovers and collectors, this fair offers a unique opportunity to engage with some of the most innovative and thought-provoking artists of our time.