For the fifth edition of the Independent 20th Century art fair, set for late September, organizers continue in the tradition of “championing artists and avant-garde movements between 1900 and 2000.” This year’s event will take place at Sotheby’s New York headquarters—the Breuer Building, an architectural landmark.
The event not only highlights the “curatorial integrity and innovation and the reassessment of 20th-century art history,” but also the history of the Breuer, which opened in 1966. It has served as home to the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Met Breuer and the Frick Collection.
Emil Bisttram (1895-1976), Bridge to Infinity, 1940. Oil on canvas, 36 x 27 in. Courtesy of Addison Rowe Gallery and Independent.
“The iconic Breuer building provides the perfect context for Independent 20th Century; a fair that seeks to both explore and amplify the complexity of the art of the 20th century,” notes Matthew Higgs, Independent’s founding curatorial advisor.
Higgs continues, “[The art fair] continues its mission to reframe the canon of 20th-century art by bringing together artists from diverse geographies, generations, movements and styles…The 2026 edition features 56 nominated exhibitors, with solo, duo and group presentations of works by more than 130 artists. Most…will be solo or two-person presentations. Some exhibitions will be produced by two galleries working jointly.”
Emil Bisttram (1895-1976), Cosmic Evolution, ca. 1940. Pencil on paper, 18¼ x 14¼ in. Courtesy of Addison Rowe Gallery and Independent.
Addison Rowe Gallery, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, will feature the work of Emil Bisttram (1895-1976). “A pioneering American modernist, educator and co-founder of the Transcendental Painting Group, Bisttram explored the relationship between abstraction, spirituality, geometry and the unseen forces that connect us,” explain gallery representatives. “His paintings invite us to look beyond appearances and consider a deeper harmony within nature, science and the human experience.”
Addison Rowe Gallery’s presentation traces Bisttram’s remarkable artistic journey—from his early commercial illustration and portraiture to important paintings from his Transcendental Painting Group years, his Atom Series inspired by Los Alamos, and intimate works from the 1930s and 1940s. This includes stunning works like Bridge to Infinity and Cosmic Evolution, both created circa 1940.
Winold Reiss (1886-1953), Twins, ca. 1925-35. Pastel on Whatman board. 30 x 21¾ in. Courtesy of Hirschl & Adler Galleries.
Hirschl & Adler gallery in New York, will showcase the portraits of renowned German American artist Winold Reiss (1886-1953). “This exclusive presentation will highlight Reiss’s exceptional talent and distinctive vision, offering a rare glimpse into his celebrated portraiture,” the gallery shares. “Reiss is increasingly recognized as a pivotal figure in early 20th-century American art. He is renowned for his evocative portraits that capture the spirit and character of his subjects with unparalleled intensity.”
The Hirschl & Adler presentation will cover the full panoply of portrait subjects explored by the artist, including figures from the Harlem Renaissance movement, Mexican revolutionaries, Indigenous Americans, as well as fashion models and other cultural icons in New York during the 1920s and 30s. “All will reveal Reiss’s unique combination of innovative artistic design and uncanny psychological depth,” the gallery adds.
Raphael Soyer (1899-1987), Self Portrait, ca. 1930. Oil on panel, 10 x 10 in. Courtesy of Forum Gallery and Independent.
Additional participating galleries include Forum Gallery (New York), Fraenkal Gallery (San Francisco), Marian Goodman Gallery (New York, Paris), Michael Hoppen Gallery (London), LOHAUS GALLERY (Munich), Luxembourg + Co. (London, New York), Diane Rosenstein Gallery (Los Angeles), Anton Kern Gallery (New York), Hollis Taggart (New York), and many more.
Independent 20th Century will be open for viewing September 24 through 27 at the Breuer in New York. Head to the event website for further details. —
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