Hamptons Fine Art Fair: Explore World-Class Art in Southampton
Founder: Rick Friedman
Discerning art collectors need look no further than the Hamptons to discover beautiful and beguiling works of art to enliven their homes. The Hamptons Fine Art Fair in Southampton will celebrate its second year in the expert hands of its creator, event producer and art collector Rick Friedman. Last year the fair launched to tremendous success, shattering attendance and sales expectations. This summer the Hamptons Fine Arts Fair expands in size and scope in a new location and promises to be the most exciting high-caliber, luxury fine art event in the Hamptons. “I am really excited about offering Hamptonites the chance to see and purchase exceptional quality art from all over the world, ranging from emerging artists to blue-chip paintings, including Renoir and Picasso pieces, from M.S. Rau and others,” says Friedman enthusiastically.
The Southampton Fairground
The Hamptons Fine Art Fair will run July 14 through July 17 at the Southampton Fairground. Friedman shares, “This year we have 85 galleries from 43 cities in eight countries, in a new 40,000 square foot modular museum. We now have more galleries than last year, specializing in higher-end pieces that collectors are seeking, which hasn’t happened before to this degree in the Hamptons. Over 500 artists are represented and each piece is curated so that there is an incredible variety. Prices start at around $10,000, with some valued into the millions.”
Pollack Pavilion
Regarding the impressive list of exhibitors and a taste of what the fair will present, Friedman offers, “We have uncovered several famous artists from the 1950s and 1960s whom collectors here can discover to grow their collections. Additionally, many of the galleries feature works that are twentieth and twenty-first century post-war contemporary pieces which link to the Hamptons as a historically important area in the creation and patronage of art. This dates back to mid-century with Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning and all of the great artists who embodied the abstract expressionist movement. The building that we are constructing is called the Pollack Pavilion, which will have a replica of the famous Pollack paint-splattered floor that will be in the lobby to greet our guests.” In a timely nod to connecting politics with art, Friedman shares, “We recently added a gallery from Kiev that shut down when Ukraine was attacked. They moved the art safely out of the country, so now they are bringing it to our show, and we are very excited to have them.”
A Passion for Possession
In addition to the deluxe galleries, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy several presentations including a panel discussion with a group of collectors entitled “A Passion for Possession,” in which they will detail how they discovered art collecting, the good and challenging aspects of it, and important lessons learned from their experiences. Another useful panel discussion topic will analyze the process of art philanthropy, with donors explaining how to donate art, which isn’t always an easy process. Throughout the event, many contemporary artists will also be present to discuss their work.
Opening Bastille Day
The festive opening night celebration will feature a French theme, as the launch date of July 14 coincides with Bastille Day, the national holiday of France. “We coordinated with the French government and French agencies to help us create this glamorous theme. We will showcase well known French singer Chloe Perrier and her jazz band as our guests enjoy an array of beautifully crafted French food, and Perrier water and Pommery Champagne will flow. Hamptonites enjoy a bespoke theme party, and this will be a fitting reflection of the many galleries from France that we have exhibiting.”
Friedman made his mark on the Hamptons’ art scene during the decade that he managed Art Hamptons, the first large-scale fine arts fair in the area. Using that as a blueprint, he went on to produce art fairs in affluent communities including Aspen, Silicon Valley, Houston, and Palm Springs. As one might expect, Friedman has an extensive collection of his own, and he says, “I am an avid collector of abstract expressionist artwork from the fifties and sixties, specifically female artists, and I have about 300 museum quality paintings in the house.” At this point, Friedman is a legend in the art world. He could easily retire and enjoy the beauty of his personal collection, but he has no intention of slowing down. “What motivates me is the excitement of our guests as they come to experience art in person. I love to inspire new collectors and for them to catch the fever of collecting,” he says with a gleam in his eye.
Friedman says there was no challenge in attracting exhibitors, as the Hamptons is widely recognized as one of the premier art buying markets in the world. “Art collecting is the new sport of the Hamptons; I don’t think there is any more vibrant, robust community of aggressive art buyers than here.” hamptonsfineartfair.com
