Artworld Veteran Tony Shafrazi Reemerges at Art Fair Following Nearly 10-Year Absence – Unchanged in His Unique Character
In the heart of New York, the Independent 20th Century fair is buzzing with excitement, and at the forefront of this excitement is Tony Shafrazi's booth. Shafrazi, a renowned art dealer with a rich history, is presenting the work of Zadik Zadikian, a sculptor from Yerevan, Soviet Armenia.
Shafrazi's relationship with Zadikian dates back to the 1970s, when he first introduced the artist's work at his gallery. Back then, Shafrazi's gallery was more than just a business; it was a stage, hosting artists who embodied the city's pulse. Zadikian, with his unique style, was no exception.
Their friendship has endured, with Shafrazi persistently encouraging Zadikian to present his work at events like the Independent fair. This year, Zadikian's presentation, titled "Made in USA," took two weeks to build, with five people working 13 hours a day to bring Zadikian's vision to life.
Zadikian's 1,000 Gold Bricks installation was a significant part of his early career. However, it was swept away by the revolution in Tehran. But Shafrazi brought it back to Tehran in 1978 when he opened his new gallery there. Now, it's back at the Independent fair, a testament to the enduring power of art.
Shafrazi's knowledge of art is considered extraordinary by Zadikian, and he has been instrumental in helping Zadikian find the right pigments for his work. This dedication to his artists is evident in the detailed pamphlets Shafrazi is distributing for each artist at his booth.
Accompanying Zadikian at the fair is Brandon Deener, a painter who came to painting after a career in music. Jazz runs through Deener's canvases like a heartbeat, and his first international solo show, "Resonance," at Paris's Galerie 75 Faubourg last year, featured 15 large oil paintings - a fusion of grief, resilience, and improvisation.
Elizabeth Dee, the founder of the Independent fair, has never seen a dealer treat a booth with such intensity as Tony Shafrazi. His meticulous approach is evident in every detail, from the arrangement of the art to the educational conversations he has with visitors about the artists and their work.
Shafrazi's journey in the art world began in the late 1960s when he arrived in New York from Iran via London. He quickly made a name for himself, meeting artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein within 24 hours of arriving in the city. Since then, he has hosted numerous influential shows, including a collaborative show between dealer Gavin Brown and artist Urs Fischer, titled "Who's Afraid of Jasper Johns?" in 2008.
At the Independent fair, Shafrazi is not just selling art; he's sharing stories, educating, and inspiring. His approach is a testament to the power of art as a bridge between cultures and a means of connecting people.
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