The Art on Paper fair has returned to Pier 36 in Lower Manhattan for its 11th edition, featuring 81 exhibitors from around the world. The fair, organized by Art Market Productions (a division of a21), includes a VIP preview on September 4 and a full program of interactive events and workshops, including the return of Booksmart Fair in partnership with the Center for Book Arts. Standouts include Nina Katchadourian's plant-like sculptures at Pace Gallery, Mary Beth Edelson's Story Gathering Boxes at Accola Griefen Fine Art, and Nicolas V. Sanchez's hyperrealistic ballpoint pen sketchbook drawings. Some exhibitors push the boundaries of the paper medium by showing paintings, ceramics, and other non-paper items, prompting one visitor to ask, "Where's the paper stuff?"
The fair matters because it highlights the enduring versatility and evolution of paper as an artistic medium, while also sparking debate about what qualifies as "paper art" in a contemporary context. The inclusion of artists like Rebecca Messier, who hand-sews directly into paper, and the collaboration between Monira Foundation and Mana Contemporary Art Center underscore the fair's role in showcasing innovative approaches to a traditional substrate. The event also reflects broader trends in the art market, such as the rise of social-media-driven artists like Sanchez, who adapted his sketchbook practice for collectors seeking intimate, authentic works.