The Armory Show 2025’s Comprehensive Changes

More than a presentation of 230 galleries from 30 countries, The Armory Show 2025 will introduce a broader curatorial scope, helmed by Kyla McMillan, and a refreshed approach to its curatorial sections upon its September return. This begins with a revised Javitz Center floorplan and includes the introduction of a design-focused sector titled Function. Coupled with its traditional Solo, Focus, and Presents sections, this forthcoming edition will also reimagine the Platform sector, for the first time driven by a non-profit, Souls Grown Deep, and directed by that foundation’s chief curator Raina Lampkins-Fielder.

Through the mission of Souls Grown Deep and the vision of Lampkins-Fielder, Platform will celebrate the work of Black artists who have lived in and were influenced by the American South. Entitled “My Art is the Evidence of My Freedom,” the section will incorporate everything from large-scale paintings and assemblages by Thornton Dial to an installation of quilts from the rural Black community of Gee’s Bend, Alabama. Other highlights are set to include Mary T. Smith’s painting We All Want a Jobe (We All Want a Job) and Allison Janae Hamilton’s installation of bronze sculptures titled Love is like the sea…

Ebony L. Haynes, Senior Director at David Zwirner and 52 Walker, will curate Function based on the discourse between artists and designers. 56 Henry’s entire booth will be dedicated to a new version of Nikita Gale’s INTERCEPTOR barricade installation. Outside of the section, numerous solo presentations will provide an immersive entry into artist worlds. White Cube will dedicate a booth to artist duo Tarwuk and Saatchi Yates will spotlight new paintings by Ethiopian artist Tesfaye Urgessa. Vielmetter Los Angeles will center Edgar Arceneaux while El Apartamento focuses on work by Cuban artist Roberto Diago. These advanced announcements barely scratch the surface of the upcoming fair, which will be open to the public September 5 to 7 (with a VIP day on September 4).