The second annual ArtRio fair closes in Brazil today, with blue-chip exhibitors seeing strong sales of work by international and Brazilian artists. Gagosian and White Cube reported millions of dollars in total sales. 120 galleries participated, around half of them international.
Salon reports that interest in buying art has risen in Rio de Janeiro, as Brazil’s economy has been thriving. The middle class has taken to collecting art, an endeavor once thought to be relegated to the country’s elite, and has in turn put Rio on the international art map. The paradigm shift has changed such that larger dealers such as Larry Gagosian will participate in ArtRio this year, the second year of the city’s art fair. The fair’s debut last year was wildly successful, attracting 80 galleries from around the world and grossing $60 million.
‬Larry Gagosian is set to host a major sculture exhibition in Rio de Janiero to coincide with the ArtRio Fair. Gagosian’s eponymous gallery will have a separate booth at the fair. Both sites will be designed by Claudia Moreira Salles, the Brazilian designer. The fair will run from September 12-16.