Where to See Art Around the World this Summer
Calling all art lovers: L'OFFICIEL walks you through eight different art exhibitions happening around the world this season, as well as what to do in your free time, and what hotels to stay at.
For the art lovers of the world, summer vacations are just as much about taking a break from reality as they are about seeing the exciting new art exhibitions hosted in cities around the world. This summer, creators, new and established, are showcasing their latest works at some of the art world's most distinguished exhibitions, and L'OFFICIEL has the inside scoop on where to go, who to see, and where to stay.
Venice, Italy
La Biennale di Venezia
April 23 – November 27, 2022
Every two years, La Biennale di Venezia takes over Italy’s most vibrant city with country-hosted pavilions showcasing the world’s best and brightest fine artists. Centered around two separate locations: The Giardini della Biennale and Arsenale, there is enough art to fulfill a five-day trip.
At the Giardini, Simone Leigh, hosted by the United States pavilion, is celebratory and reverent. At the same time, Egypt’s Eden Like Garden by Weaam Ahmed El-Masry, Mohamed Shoukry, and Ahmed El-Shaer delivers a punch. Brazil’s Jonathas de Andrade gets points for remaining true to the theme chosen by Biennale curator Cecilia Alemani. Next to Egypt and Brazil, Serbia’s Vladimir Nikolic fills the space with two excellent works on water.
Regarding production value and craft, Korea’s pavilion is unparalleled; tucked away between Japan and Germany, the small pavilion delivers a Matrix-like exhibition that makes terrifying technology beautiful. Afterward, traverse over to Denmark’s Uffe Isolotto. Isolotto is a genius; the work is worth it if you can withstand the stench (there is a pile of manure outside for effect).
After years of political art, some more poignant than others, Belgium made a deft curatorial choice to focus on the universality of joy and naivety as Belgian Francis Alÿ leans into documenting a global phenomenon: games.
Besides pavilions, a range of satellite events pop up throughout Venice. ‘Uncombed, Unforeseen, Unconstrained’ Conservatorio di Musica Benedetto Marcello curated by Ziba Ardalan – founder and executive director of the nonprofit, London-based art space Parasol Unit— features Almine Rech artist Oliver Beers. While Danh Vo, Isamu Noguchi and Park Seo-Bo at Fondazione Querini Stampalia is a must see.
And, one last word to the wise, it will not be worth the wait if you do not speak Finnish at the Finland Pavillion. It’s a shame since the premise is quite intriguing.
Location: C. Giazzo, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
Tickets: Starting at €16.50
Where to stay: JW Marriot Resort & Spa
Located on a private island off the main square, the hotel-provided water taxis usher patrons to and fro main Venezia in luxury. Once you arrive, the hotel features a gym, spa, legendary service, and a range of gluten-free options appealing to your needs. Their service is top-notch, and their spa offers wonderful respite while destressing after a long day of Kunst. It’s blissful to wake up to views of Venice without the noise of tourists or pigeons—do not underestimate the noise that accompanies staying on the main island. If you have time, check out the olive tree gardens where the hotel sources and presses their olive oil available in season. Also, when room service is on your mind, try the pannacotta.
London, England
Masterpiece London
June 30 – July 6, 2022
After a heavy season of contemporary art fairs, head to Britain’s capital for Masterpiece London’s array of artifacts, antiquities, art, and jewelry displays. Held within the South Grounds of The Royal Hospital in Chelsea, Masterpiece London adds diversity to the modern-day collector’s collection by tapping into exhibitors from every market discipline. You’ll find emerging galleries, old antiquities dealers, and even Van Cleef & Arpels making an appearance. Hot-ticket items from George Condo and Gerhard Richter are sure to drum up attention.
Masterpiece London hosts Masterpiece Presents highlighting specific artists' installations to spice up their offerings. This year Pakistani-American artist Anila Quayyum Agha from Sundaram Tagore Gallery exhibits two immersive light installations after her three museum solo shows this year. Upon entrance to the Royal Hospital, Agha’s illuminated cubes, built from laser-cut steel, reflect an array of elaborate floor-to-ceiling patterns in a nod to ornamented mosques. While her second installation, “This is Not a Refuge II” explores family and loss from displacement.
Location: The Royal Hospital Chelsea, London SW3
Tickets: Starting at £45
Where to Stay: The Pelham
With Masterpiece London taking over the capital’s most chichi neighborhood, there is no better time to lean into the Chelsea aesthetic. The Pelham is a five-star retreat located in South Kensington, steps between Kensington Gardens and The Royal Hospital. Each of the 52 rooms and suites has its own style and design; think bold jewel tones and monotone thematic draperies. As the British outpost for the Italian Starhotels Collezione, The Pelham’s La Trattoria by Alfred Russo and his reinterpretations of traditional Italian food will warm the belly after a long day.
Ibiza, Spain
Contemporary Art Now (CAN)
July 13 - July 17, 2022
In its first edition, Contemporary Art Now (CAN) is a hotly anticipated new art fair loaded with personality. Founded by Sergio Sancho, the fair features thirty international contemporary art galleries from Europe, America and Asia. Nanzuka Underground (Tokyo), Carl Kostyál (London/Stockholm), WOAW Gallery (Hong Kong), M+B Gallery (Los Angeles), 1969 Gallery (New York), Ruttkowski;68 (Cologne/Düsseldorf/Paris) and Dio Horia (Athens), among others, have accepted curator and Juxtapoz contributing editor Sasha Bogojev’s invitation. Cult-favorite artists such as Christian Rex Van Minnen, Jake Clark, and Javi Calleja are making appearances, while new partnerships such as Canyon Castator with Stems Gallery usher in evolving practices. The latter also includes a particularly entertaining introductory video.
Location: Ctra d'eivissa a Sant Antoni, 07800 Eivissa, Illes Balears, Spain
Tickets: €11.25
Where to Stay: Although Ibiza has a reputation for wild fêtes, boho-chic OKU Ibiza offers tranquility through its thoughtful configuration. It’s not only the design (which leans heavily into Wabi-Sabi philosophy, natural and organic materials, earthy tones, and unparalleled chicness) that will soothe your senses, but also the programming and general ethos. On the one hand, you'll enjoy bespoke commissions by LA-based painter and sculptor Steve Tepas and daily complimentary yoga on the roof. On the other, you’ll swim within the largest pool in Ibiza to Bedouin sounds within a Balearic island retreat.
The concept of “vibes” used in daily nomenclature does the hotel injustice. Within an island hopped up on white leather and never-ending techno, OKU is one of few places to find rejuvenation. Even the restaurants—OKU Restaurant and the poolside To Kima—are bar none, with menus curated and overseen by Executive Chef Mark Vaessen, formerly of Sushisamba. And after a full meal, head over to the fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment by NOHrD & Casall. If you’re up for it, they even have personal trainers.
When it comes to rooms though, OKU Ibiza’s attention to texture is mindfulness ecstasy. With a demure color palette, the varying linen, stone, and wood provide a sensory symphony. High rollers who are lucky enough to book the suites will have difficulty returning home. Why? Not every hotel can provide an in-room bartender for all your cocktail needs.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Art Monte Carlo
July 14 - July 16, 2022
If Ibiza’s bohemian scene is not for you, jump on over to Monaco where art world heavy hitters like White Cube, Hauser & Wirth, and Almine Rech make appearances at Art Monte Carlo. In its sixth edition, Art Monte Carlo will take over the Grimaldi Forum in the heart of the city-state, just steps away from the ocean. Put together with the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and under the direction of Thomas Hug, Art Monte Carlo is a consortium of blue-chip modern and contemporary art, with exhibitions tapping outside fashion houses to participate. (For 2022, Christian Louboutin seems to be making its foray into art.) When a day of kunst is complete, head over to the casinos for old-school magic and poor decision-making.
Location: 10 Av. Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco
Tickets: Starting at €10
Where to Stay: Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, the child of Monegasque architect Jean Marquet has long been a staple for designers and artists to contribute. Artist Gabriel Ferrier, inspired by François Boucher and Jean-Honoré Fragonard, took over the ceiling of the Belle Époque dining room, while artist and designer André Levasseur reconstructed the rooms in the 70s in Grand Trianon style. The rooms are designed more for relaxation than opulence, a welcome reprieve after a long day of sun, art, and losing at blackjack. Yet, what truly sells Hotel Hermitage is its restaurants: Pavillon Monte-Carlo by Yannick Alléno, the proud recipient of six Michelin stars, and The Bar American.
Aspen, Colorado
Intersect
July 31 - August 4, 2022
When Summer rolls around Aspen becomes a hotspot for well-heeled out-of-towners escaping the grueling heat of California, Texas, and New York. After a rush of tourists and summer staples swoop in, the mountain town becomes a perfect backdrop for a “tiny but exquisite” art fair. At Intersect, gallerists offer an array of work ranging from a few thousand dollars to the millions. At Intersect 2021, Picasso and Joan Miró were available next to Hiejin Yoo and Umar Rashid, and billionaires were seen cozying up to cowboys. For 2022, some returning faces are making their way to Colorado, while new galleries are also touching down. According to Half Gallery director Erin Goldberger, “Intersect Aspen offers a nice respite while still being an art fair. There is an eclectic group of galleries that form this fair which differs from your usual regional art fair,” continuing, “With ArtCrush happing the same week it also brings a great crowd of collectors and locals. I only wish Hunter S. Thompson was still roaming around attempting to run for the town sheriff.” Don’t we all?
Location: Aspen Ice Garden, 233 W Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO 81611
Tickets: Starting at $25
Where to Stay: St. Regis
Aspen loves log-cabin opulence, as evidenced by the bevy of five-star staples that have set up outposts. And despite the heavy competition, no hotel comes quite close to St. Regis: Aspen. The St. Regis Aspen Resort features nearly 200 alpine-themed rooms with a slew of cozy public meeting spots featuring working fireplaces. After a long day of kunst, walk on over to this mountain base retreat and revel in dark wood and leather club chairs. Did we mention the butlers?
Seoul, Korea
Frieze Seoul
September 2 - September 4, 2022
Not much is known about Frieze art fair’s newest takeover, so we wait with bated breath. As Asia’s art market soars, Seoul has entered the ring in fierce contention with Asia’s flagpole: Hong Kong. It’ll be intriguing to see which exhibitors are announced for Seoul, but we anticipate a standard mix of blue-chip Western galleries alongside emerging and mid-market Asia-based shops. The fair will take place at COEX, in the Gangnam district in the heart of Seoul, and will run alongside KIAF SEOUL, South Korea’s leading art fair, while also boasting an Asia antiquity-focused Frieze Masters in conjunction with the fair.
Location: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tickets: Not yet on sale.
Where to Stay: With its Tokyo sister boasting more than a few film appearances, the Seoul Park Hyatt delivers equal luxury as its Japanese counterpart. This upscale hotel within Gangnam district is mere steps away from the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center and features floor-to-ceiling views in every room.
New York City
The Armory
September 9 - September 11, 2022
The cornerstone of New York’s art world is The Armory. Since its founding in 1994, The Armory has played host to every major gallery, artist, curator, and collector. Few art fairs boast the cultural cache The Armory commands, and this year will be no different. The Armory's web will extend throughout the city after moving to The Javits Center smack-dab in the middle of NYC. Real deal-making happens in the thousand off-shoot events, gallery dinners, artist cocktail hours, and sponsored bashes. And, as of June 15, nearly 240 Galleries have signed on to participate, including institutional partnerships such as The Kitchen with Legacy Russell at the helm.
Location: 429 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Tickets: Early Bird Tickets starting at $45
Where to Stay: The Bowery Hotel has made more than enough features in songs and pop culture, but the late-night chats are what sets this cultural staple apart. With no DJ, it’s only wormholes and philosophy or gossip. Hot tea is served late night before stealing away to the cozy rooms.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna Contemporary
September 8 - September 11, 2022
Austria’s largest art fair was one of few in-person fairs last year, albeit with much controversy (and glee from those attending. They’ve recently changed over leadership and launched at a new location, but the regional art fair remains strong. While the fair focuses on Central and Eastern European galleries, a smattering of interesting European outposts have come through. Dublin’s Green on Red Gallery has thrice made an appearance, and after doing so well last year, I’d anticipate seeing them again. The crowd at Vienna Contemporary is heavily Central and Eastern European with Bulgarian and Austrian collectors flocking to the capital city to make big-ticket purchases. After once wrapping up your stroll through, venture out to grab coffee, cigarettes, and a gust of Nietzche through the air.
Location: Johannesgasse 33, 1010 Wien, Austria
Tickets: Starting at €15
Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton. It’s literally across the street. And it is The Ritz.
