Independent 20th Century Expands with Blue-Chip Exhibitors at the Breuer

The Independent 20th Century art fair took place at the Breuer building in September 2026. This edition was notably larger than previous ones, expanding by 75% and featuring around 57 exhibitors and more than 130 artists. The event was held at the Breuer building, which is now operated by Sotheby’s, providing a prominent venue for the fair’s expanded format.

Among the highlights, Lévy Gorvy Dayan presented works by Yves Klein, focusing on pieces from the early 1960s. Their presentation included a Blue Rain installation and several of Klein’s signature Cosmogonies. These paintings are distinguished by their incorporation of natural forces, such as rain and wind, which leave their mark on the canvas and reflect Klein’s interest in the interaction between art and nature.

The relationship between Yves Klein and Lucio Fontana was also a point of interest at the fair. Both artists shared a connection to light and nature, and they were friends who admired each other throughout their lives. Their artistic practices were marked by a fascination with physical space and a desire to break the boundaries of traditional painting, which was evident in the works displayed.

The origins of the Independent 20th Century fair involved a small and resourceful team. At its inception, the organisation hired Cecilia Alemani, a curator who had recently completed her master’s degree at Bard College. She was the only employee at the time, tasked with managing 40,000 square feet of exhibition space and executing the planned exhibitions despite having no budget.

This blend of seriousness and resourcefulness has contributed to the fair’s development over nearly two decades. The Independent 20th Century has grown from its modest beginnings to become an event held at the Breuer building, maintaining its commitment to presenting significant works by influential 20th-century artists.