Inside Clio Art Fair: A Journey Beyond Conventional Art Exhibitions

Inside Clio Art Fair: A Journey Beyond Conventional Art Exhibitions

I first heard of the Clio Art Fair while browsing an article listing upcoming "must-see" art fairs. Clio was described as an "outsider" and "anti-institutional," a description that immediately resonated with me.

I was fortunate enough to secure an interview with Alessandro Berni, founder and CEO, and Bianca Mafodda, the fair associate. This led me to attend and work for the September 2024 edition of the Clio Art Fair.

As exhibitor support, my role for the following days was to meet each artist, guide them to their designated spots, and assist in setting up and curating their work for optimal display. I thoroughly enjoyed these encounters, sharing in the excitement as each artist revealed their carefully packed works of art. Slowly but surely, the gallery transformed as the space began to fill.

By September 5th, the walls of both floors were adorned with artwork. The Clio Art Fair had officially opened its doors for its 17th edition—a particularly special one, as it marked the 10th anniversary of the fair.

Excited faces quickly filled the gallery, creating an atmosphere as vibrant as the art on display. Walking through the now bustling fair, packed with art enthusiasts, was immensely rewarding after the hard work of the installation days. The mixed crowd of VIPs, collectors, press, influencers, artists’ friends, and art lovers shared a palpable excitement, eagerly discussing the pieces surrounding them. Clio has a reputation for defying conventions, and this spirit is evident in both the art and the people it attracts. This is enhanced by the genuine support and energy from longtime attendees and first-time visitors alike, all contributing to the unique atmosphere.

During the opening night, I connected with many artists and was reminded that art is meant to be experienced and felt just as much as it is to be seen. One such conversation was with Kledia Spiro, who was preparing to perform "Press and Sniff." Through our chat, I gained a deeper understanding of her work, which draws from her Olympic weightlifting training and incorporates interactive elements, inviting the public to engage with the performance.

Upstairs, I spoke with Luis Accorsi and his partner, who kindly invited me to his punk band’s next gig. Later, Michael Yurick introduced me to some of his colleagues, who had come to support him. He shared a fascinating story about a 2015 commission for 35 artworks for the Britannia cruise ship, formerly Queen Elizabeth's private yacht.

Beth Shaw, exhibiting her Found Construction series, took up a significant portion of the first floor, captivating many visitors with her ability to breathe new life into discarded materials, transforming them into evocative, poetic installations that spoke to renewal and memory.

These are just a few examples of the many conversations I had during the Clio Art Fair. By showcasing independent artists, Clio has succeeded in creating an environment where each artist can connect with a constantly shifting crowd, sharing their passion and creativity.

One of my final conversations was with Mark McGee, a member of the Here & Then collective. As he left the fair, his artwork wrapped in hand, he said, "I'm leaving another Clio Art Fair edition with a mix of feelings and sensations. I'll surely miss being here, knowing exactly where I was supposed to be and what I was supposed to do. Thankfully, the next Clio is right around the corner!"

For me, the exhilarating build-up to the fair was just as memorable as the nostalgia that followed its end. I truly treasure this experience and am grateful to the entire team for their support and guidance throughout the process.