The 43rd edition of the international contemporary art fair ARCOmadrid concluded last March 10, maintaining its attendance levels with respect to the previous year, with close to 100,000 visitors. In addition, this edition stood out for being the first to achieve gender parity, with a notable presence of women artists. Maribel Lopez, director of ARCO, expressed her pride for this achievement and highlighted the vibrant and diverse atmosphere that was experienced at the fair’s stands.
For five days, collectors, experts, gallery owners and the general public from all over the world had the opportunity to explore the proposals of 205 galleries, with more than 65% coming from outside Spain. The fair stood out for its variety and quality, with the presence of avant-garde artists such as María Blanchard and Aurelia Muñoz, as well as emerging talents such as María Pratts and Teresa Solar. In addition, the work of outstanding photographers such as Ouka Leele and Colita, as well as veteran artists such as Elena Asins and Elena Bosshard, could be appreciated.
The central theme of this edition was the Caribbean, with a focus on migration and culture in the region. The section ‘Never the same. Latin American Art’ and the program dedicated to the Caribbean made Latin America the center of attention at ARCO 2024. Thirty percent of the foreign galleries were Latin American, with works that explored the region’s rich traditions and perspectives.
Sales were outstanding during the fair, with galleries reporting great satisfaction and activity among professional buyers. Maribel Lopez noted that numerous institutions, such as the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid, increased their investment in the acquisition of works of art. In total, the museum acquired 30 works by 22 artists, 17 of them women, underscoring its commitment to diversity and equity in the art world.
While sales during the fair are important, Lopez noted that the real impact is often felt months later, when negotiations and acquisitions of larger works are finalized. Ultimately, ARCOmadrid 2024 was an exciting and successful edition that stood out for its diversity, artistic quality and commitment to gender equality in contemporary art.