AO On-Site: New York Art Book Fair, Presented by Printed Matter at 548 W 22nd St, October 13th-16th, 2022

October 13th, 2022

New York Art Book Fair (Installation), via Art Oserved
New York Art Book Fair (Installation), via Art Oserved

The leaves are changing in New York City, the fall equinox is on its way, and the time has once again come for the New York Art Book Fair to open yet again, kicking off its latest edition of a unique and energetic exhibition of young artists, publishers, writers and thinkers, each representing a small part of the national and international art publishing community.  Always free and open to the public, the event draws more than 35,000 individuals including book lovers, collectors, artists, and art world professionals each year. 


Werklichkeit Books
Werklichkeit Books, via Art Observed

There There Now, via Art Observed
There There Now, via Art Observed

This year, the fair has shifted locations, moving from its long-running haunt at MoMA PS1 to a new location at 548 W 22nd St, just a few blocks from organizer Printed Matter’s Chelsea home. Yet the new space did little to change the focus and concept of the fair, offering an impressive look at the range and depth of practice in art book publishing. Zines and artists’ books, rare concert posters and contemporary art editions, all were on view alongside performances, exhibitions and projects.  This range of projects invites a healthy and vibrant dialogue for both visitors and exhibitors, as chance encounters and discussions intersect easily with unexpected performances and pieces.


New York Art Book Fair (Installation), via Art Oserved
Soberscove Press, via Art Observed

Throughout the fair, one could encounter a range of concepts and focuses from publishers, ranging from self-published artist books to more curatorially-focused presentations. Artist Paul Shortt, who runs the publishing project Shortt editions, for instance, was on hand presenting a series of books ranging from a range of collected signs to coloring books and stickers, while at Can Can Press, a range of posters, hats, books and other materials were on view, offering a series of playful and intriguing editions. Also on hand was Miami publisher Dale Zine, which has built a dedicated following for its compilations spanning music, writing and other modes of printed material. New York-based publisher Small Editions also brought an impressive booth, compiling a range of its recent output, including a series of new works by printmaker and artist Sheryl Oppenheim.

New York Art Book Fair (Installation), via Art Oserved
New York Art Book Fair (Installation), via Art Oserved

As always, a familial setting and commitment to community speaks volumes about why the NYABF has continued to grow and thrive, creating a space where artists and writers can find and create new support systems and networks to create and promote their work, well beyond the gallery walls.

The New York Art Book Fair closes October 16th.

New York Art Book Fair (Installation), via Art Oserved
New York Art Book Fair (Installation), via Art Oserved

– D. Creahan

Read more:
NYABF 2022 [Exhibition Site]