ARCOmadrid 2022 celebrates its 40 (+1) Anniversary

185 galleries from 30 countries. A commemorative edition has been designed as a tribute to the actual galleries that have been the architects of the 40 (+1) editions of the fair.

ARCOmadrid, the contemporary art fair organised by IFEMA MADRID, returns to its usual dates to celebrate its 40 (+1) Anniversary, from February 23rd to 27th. The different voices of contemporary art professionals will once again be heard in its consolidation as a platform for reflection and knowledge that are essential for critics, institution directors and other professionals.

Following the exceptional celebration of the fair in July of 2021, the commemorative edition of ARCOmadrid 2022 is conceived as a tribute to the actual galleries as the architects of the 40 (+1) consecutive editions of the fair. An edition that once again extols the professional reunion in front of the works at a fair that has endeavoured to uphold the learnings of the pandemic. Thus, in addition to continuing with its digital initiatives, ARCO presents itself in a more contained format, in response to the suggestions of the Organising Committee, with a view to improving the visitors’ experience and the galleries’ success.

Halls 7 and 9 of the Recinto Ferial de IFEMA MADRID brings together the offer of a total of 185 galleries from 30 countries, 159 of which make up the General Programme, in addition to the curated sections: ARCO 40 (+1) Anniversary, Never the Same. Latin American Art, and Opening by Allianz.

All galleries represent the art scene of these 40 (+1) years, linking the Fair’s past with the emerging artists of the future. In fact, this edition will once again be consolidated as a benchmark for research, discovery and awareness of new creative talents.

ARCO 40 (+1) Anniversary is an exceptional programme made up of 19 international galleries selected by María Inés Rodríguez, Francesco Stocchi and Sergio Rubira, who have been present at the fair throughout its history. This section will show the essential relationship between galleries and their artists, presenting creators they worked within the early years of ARCO with whom they retain a lasting bond. Such is the case of artists like Mona Hatoum –Chantal Crousel-; General Idea -Esther Schipper-; Mario Merz -Giorgio Persano-; Dominique González Foerster -Jan Mot-; Dora García -Juana de Aizpuru-; Monica Bonvicini -Krinzinger-; Matt Mullican -Mai 36-, Gilbert & George -Thaddaeus Ropac-, in addition to representatives of galleries such as 1900-2000 and Ruth Benzacar, among others.

Moreover, ARCOmadrid continues its focus on the presentation of individual artist projects or dialogues and once again embraces the SOLO/DÚO proposal. 24 of the galleries in the General Programme will dedicate their stand to one or two artists as is the case of Károly Hopp-Halász -ACB Galéria-; Luca Bertolo and Chiara Camoni -Arcade-; Carlos Rojas and Rodrigo Valenzuela –Arroniz and Nueveochenta-; Lisetta Carmi and Marianne Berenhaut -Dvir Gallery-; Marzena Nowak -Gregor Podnar-; Eugénia Mussa – Monitor-; Irma Blank -P420-; Olga de Amaral -Richard Saltoun- and Marta Palau -Walden.

As per usual, ARCOmadrid shows its interest in new galleries which, either because of their short trajectory or their novelty in the Spanish context, present interesting proposals and enable the discovery of other creators. Similarly, through the Opening by Allianz section selected by Övül Durmuşoğlu and Julia Morandeira, the fair will provide a space to explore 15 galleries including Anne-Sarah Bénichou, East Contemporary, Intersticio and Sperling, taking part in the fair for the first time, or Cibrián, Proxyco and Suprainfinit.

On the other hand, in its endeavour to continue exploring forms of collaboration between artists and galleries, the Never the Same. Latin American Art section will be incorporated, with a selection of 9 Latin American artists from 8 international galleries which, under the curatorship of Mariano Mayer and Manuela Moscoso, will help strengthen the Latin American positioning of the fair through galleries from different countries.

Continuing last edition’s initiative, this year the 17 Artist Projects will again be dedicated exclusively to women, including Irma Álvarez Laviada -Luis Adelantado-; Leiko Ikemura – Peter Kilchmann-; Inés Medina -José de la Mano-; Vera Pagava -Galerie Poggi-; Marianna Simnet -Société-, and Sandra Vásquez de la Horra -Senda-.

Architecture and design recover the spotlight at this edition. Burgos & Garrido Arquitectos is the new firm responsible for the spatial design of ARCOmadrid, joined by the architect Pedro Pitarch, who will design the gallery space of the ARCO 40 (+1) Anniversary.

Burgos & Garrido Arquitectos sign also the VIP Lounge, named ‘Natural Ruins`, with the support of AMRE Leading Brands of Spain Association, and its companies: Actiu, Estiluz, Fama, Joquer, Lladró, LZF, Naturtex, Ondarreta, Sancal, and the special collaboration of Cosentino and the intervention of Naturpiedra.

The Fundación ARCO Lounge, designed and decorated by Las Dos Mercedes in collaboration with Años Luz, will be a space dedicated to the artist Frida Orupabo. On this occasion, the Presentations Lounge will be a project by L.A. Studio. And the ARCO Terrace will boast a textile project by Hemper, and be decorated with furnishings by Isimar, with lighting by VBO Spagna.

In addition to ARCOlunch by IBERIA, Ruinart Terrasse, NONSOLOCAFE for illycaffè and Martin Miller’s Gin, for the first time, visitors enjoy a virtual assistant allowing for a conversational experience generated by artificial intelligence. Available to answer questions, provide information about the works and explain the history of ARCO. This initiative is sponsored by the communication consultancy firm LLYC through its Foundation, along with the NTT Data technology.