A Sprawling, Brain-Melting Smorgasbord, New York’s Armory Show Returns for Its 30th Anniversary

It’s hard to explain how something could be both overstuffed and underwhelming at the same time, yet this year’s Armory feels less like a sophisticated showcase and more of a trade show.

Courtesy the Armory Show
The Platform pavilion at the 2024 New York Armory Show at the Javits Convention Center. Courtesy the Armory Show

New York’s Armory Show marks its 30th anniversary this weekend at the Javits Center, a sprawling, brain-melting smorgasbord or overstuffed hodgepodge, depending on your perspective. 235 exhibitors — the world’s premier contemporary art galleries — exhibit what is purported to be the bleeding edge of today’s emerging contemporary art. It’s hard to explain how something could be both overstuffed and underwhelming at the same time, yet this year’s Armory felt less like a sophisticated showcase and more of a trade show. Could it be that the Armory’s years are showing? 

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