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On a Sensory Level: Palm Beach Modern+Contemporary Art Fair
On a Sensory Level: Palm Beach Modern+Contemporary Art Fair
From March 20 to 23, Palm Beach hosted one of South Florida’s key cultural events — a contemporary art fair with a distinctly local character.
Before arriving, the press release suggests a familiar roster of 20th-century icons — Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama, Keith Haring, David Hockney — hinting at a format similar to Context Art Miami. But stepping inside the Palm Beach County Convention Center immediately reveals something different: a calmer, more intimate atmosphere and a strong local focus.
Unlike large-scale fairs such as Art Basel Miami Beach or Context Miami, where artworks are positioned primarily as investment assets, Palm Beach feels more relaxed. Even with 76 galleries from 18 countries, the tone remains approachable — and so do the prices, ranging from $500 for Thomas Kelly’s pieces to $360,000 for Bermano’s See The Beauty.
Nick Korniloff, the fair’s director and a long-time art organizer in Palm Beach County, notes a shift in collector behavior:
“We’re seeing growing interest in emerging and mid-career artists. It’s a fresh trend that’s becoming increasingly visible.”
This aligns with recent market data. According to the Art Basel/UBS report, global art and antiques sales fell by 12% in 2024, yet the segment under $50,000 grew by 3% — signaling rising demand for accessible contemporary art, especially among younger collectors.
Palm Beach Modern+Contemporary has become the standout spring art event in South Florida, attracting local collectors and galleries seeking long-term relationships rather than fast-paced competition. With its emphasis on emerging and mid-career artists — including strong photography offerings — the fair caters to collectors looking for interior-driven acquisitions and future-facing talent.
This mix of accessibility, quality, and discovery keeps the Palm Beach fair a consistent favorite in the region’s cultural landscape.
Before arriving, the press release suggests a familiar roster of 20th-century icons — Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama, Keith Haring, David Hockney — hinting at a format similar to Context Art Miami. But stepping inside the Palm Beach County Convention Center immediately reveals something different: a calmer, more intimate atmosphere and a strong local focus.
Unlike large-scale fairs such as Art Basel Miami Beach or Context Miami, where artworks are positioned primarily as investment assets, Palm Beach feels more relaxed. Even with 76 galleries from 18 countries, the tone remains approachable — and so do the prices, ranging from $500 for Thomas Kelly’s pieces to $360,000 for Bermano’s See The Beauty.
Nick Korniloff, the fair’s director and a long-time art organizer in Palm Beach County, notes a shift in collector behavior:
“We’re seeing growing interest in emerging and mid-career artists. It’s a fresh trend that’s becoming increasingly visible.”
This aligns with recent market data. According to the Art Basel/UBS report, global art and antiques sales fell by 12% in 2024, yet the segment under $50,000 grew by 3% — signaling rising demand for accessible contemporary art, especially among younger collectors.
Palm Beach Modern+Contemporary has become the standout spring art event in South Florida, attracting local collectors and galleries seeking long-term relationships rather than fast-paced competition. With its emphasis on emerging and mid-career artists — including strong photography offerings — the fair caters to collectors looking for interior-driven acquisitions and future-facing talent.
This mix of accessibility, quality, and discovery keeps the Palm Beach fair a consistent favorite in the region’s cultural landscape.
Gallery
By Julia Bikbulatova