The International Fine Prints and Drawings Association (IFPDA) Print Fair returned to New York’s Park Avenue Armory, featuring 80 global galleries, publishers, and print studios. The event showcased a diverse range of works, from 19th-century Japanese ukiyo-e masterworks by Hokusai to contemporary pieces by artists such as Kiki Smith, Julie Mehretu, and David Hockney. Notable highlights included Kiki Smith’s massive 12-foot watercolor "Wooden Moon" and Paula Rego’s influential abortion etchings, which were recently acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Often described as a more democratic medium due to its accessible price points, the print fair emphasizes the technical process and craftsmanship behind the works. The fair serves as a critical entry point for new collectors while maintaining high-level scholarship for seasoned patrons, bridging the gap between historical Old Masters and modern editions. By focusing on the "how" of art-making, the IFPDA Print Fair distinguishes itself from larger, more commercial contemporary fairs through its intimate atmosphere and educational focus.