Much like the inside of the Federal Hall National Memorial, the artists featured in Portal Art Fair are unknown. The 28 artists were selected through an application process based on how their work engages with the historical space.
As you step into the building, music from an unknown source is playing. The chimes are actually coming from gongs on the second floor, creating a mystical atmosphere and a sense of wonder.
Portal is organized by 4heads and was open during the same week as Frieze New York on Randall’s Island. 4heads is an artist-run nonprofit, which also organizes the Governors Island Art Fair.
According to 4heads, Portal “[provides] new platforms for emerging artists, while highlighting historically significant landmarks across the city.”
Laura Kersaint-Paultre, a 19-year-old student at Baruch College, says, “The concept is interesting. The art on [the main floor] almost resembles [New York City] life.”
What makes Portal different from the other fairs is that there are no representatives or dealers trying to sell you the art. The intermediary is essentially cut out, letting the artist receive most of the sales.
A representative confirmed in a telephone interview that “70% of the sales goes to the artist, and the rest goes to [4heads] to cover expenses.” This is compared to the acclaimed 50% that Frieze would take.
Frieze New York did not respond to a request to comment.
Inside the Federal Hall, the guides encourage viewers to also explore the small, permanent history collection that is open to the public.
Portal is located at 26 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005.
The show begins May 4 and ends May 10, 2016, from 10 AM to 5 PM.
The show is free to attend.
You can follow Michael Bong on Snapchat @mikeybong to see more of his art adventures.
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