The seemingly appropriately named Other Art Fair returns to Santa Monica this weekend for its 11th annual Los Angeles edition, bringing together a diverse array of artists, live performances and unforgettable experiences for art enthusiasts and collectors alike. The show also has yearly residencies in London, Chicago, Dallas, Sydney, Brooklyn and Melbourne.
Taking place from today, Thursday April 4, to Sunday April 7, at the iconic Barker Hangar, this art fair aims to turn the traditional experience on its head by offering visitors an in-person opportunity to connect directly with emerging and independent artists from around the world, together with plainly listed artwork prices and a significantly less pretentious atmosphere.
“So we’re a little like the antithesis to traditional art fairs, ours is more like an art festival where you can go and buy art that you can actually afford,” says Sarah Malone, the Other Art Fair’s Marketing Manager. “So, you’re not typically looking at gallery pieces that cost 10 grand, you’re looking at works that range in price starting with prints and smaller pieces starting at say, 100 dollars and then they go all the way up in price to $1,500 and two grand mark.”
Malone says that because of the pre-vetted nature of the fair’s lineup, attendees can buy with confidence and discover the next generation of contemporary artistic talent.
Handpicked by a selection committee of art world experts, the 140 exhibiting artists will offer thousands of original artworks for sale across various media — including painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, ceramics and more — all priced between $100 and $10,000.
Moreover, true to its continuing practice of subverting expectations and breaking away from conformity, the fair, which is presented by Saatchi Art, will present “Perceive Me Redux,” a free, nude portrait experience that invites visitors to strip down and see themselves through the eyes of artists, who will sketch their likenesses in a private pop-up group studio onsite.
Inspired by artist Kristine Schomaker’s 2020 performance-based project of the same name, which saw 60 artists create nude portraits of Shoemaker, this highlight of the fair’s program will — according to the promotional blurb — “offer attendees a body-positive opportunity to re-evaluate notions of self-worth, validation, and identity by challenging assumptions of perception.”
Portrait sessions will be available to book each day at the Fair on a first come, first served basis, and sketches by a selection of artists will be available for purchase for $25 each. An exhibition of works featured in the original “Perceive Me” project will also be on view at the fair.
Kicking off the Fair’s festivities during Thursday’s opening night is a special live show by artist Scarlett Kapella who will treat guests to, what’s been described as “a cheeky cake-sitting performance,” which apparently seamlessly blends fetish, cake and art.
Throughout the weekend, guests can look forward to drinks, food from a variety of local food vendors, sculptural installations, interactive features and more. “We are thrilled to bring The Other Art Fair back to Los Angeles, offering a dynamic and inclusive platform for artists and art lovers to connect,” said Global Fair Director Nicole Garton in a statement. “With a diverse range of features and experiences, we aim to celebrate creativity, empower artists, and foster a sense of community beyond the bounds of the art world.”
Opening night –Thursday, April 4 from 6–10pm (advance ticket prices start at $45). General entry – Friday April 5 from 5-9pm, Saturday April 6 from 11am–8pm and Sunday April 7 from 11am–6pm (ticket prices start at $25 depending on the time slot). Tickets and additional information can be found at theotherartfair.com/la.