‘How to look’ at NADA New York 2025
You’re attending an art fair and looking at new work. Are you in the mood to purchase or browse? Do you have space to own a new piece?
I tell people I work in the “appreciation” economy as a guide for evaluating commercial fairs, recognizing artists, and how I exist within these spaces.
Meeting thousands of people a year and enjoying brief moments with strangers is my status quo. With these types of interactions unfolding 2-3 times a day, and my lifestyle proves to be the stamina you need to meet 120 dealers, curators, and non-profit organizations in a single afternoon.
My favorite art is art I want to look at again, and I coined a routine to see a lot of work at once, process each experience, and reflect on every artist with energy and inspiration. Here’s How to look – the principles that guide my life in arts & culture.
How to look
by Elliott Desai
- Walk around once – a slow stroll as comfortable and relaxed as you can go. Move throughout the space and notice if you feel moved or slightly intrigued (write down, mark location on a map). Recognize a spark within and an attraction to be near certain pieces.
- Breathe deeply and evenly while experiencing each presentation. You owe yourself ease and enjoyment during round one. Simply take note of subtle impulses to linger in place.
- Congratulations, you’re experiencing presence. Your attention is singularly focused on viewing the art in front of you, you’re contemplating how it’s made, and you’re reveling in the expression of another person’s creativity.
- Drink some water and eat a snack – it’s round two. Return to the marks on your map with fresh eyes and renewed energy after some time has passed. Walk around a third time, notice what you’re drawn to, and consider speaking to dealers about your favorite pieces.
- Become a patron by collecting, acknowledging and amplifying your favorite work. Speaking about great pieces and sharing stories is fundamental to the artist’s long-term success – regardless of who owns the physical piece.
And when you do have space, collecting sustains an artist’s longevity and is how you can participate in shaping our visual culture.
NADA NEW YORK 2025
The Starrett-Lehigh Building led to reunions with collectors from Los Angeles, conversations with dealers pursuing pop-up programming, and several moments of true presence. To honor the most memorable presentations from this year, here is my selection of six artists worth your time and attention:
Andy H. Wei
Based in New York City. Learn more about Andy.
Curated by Dr. Darla Migan / DARLA
Maude Corriveau
Based in Montreal. Learn more about Maude.
Curated by Elena Platanova / PLATO
Ernesto Solana
Based in Mexico City and Houston, TX. Learn more about Ernesto.
Curated by guadalajara90210
Eva Papamargariti
Based in Athens and London. Learn more about Eva.
Curated by Eugster || Belgrade
Jude Griebel
Based in Canada and New York. Learn more about Jude.
Curated by Massey Klein
Images by Daniel Greer and Blaine Campbell courtesy of Massey Klein Gallery.
Padloo Samayualie
Learn more about Inuit artist Padloo.
Curated by Claire Foussard / Trotter&Sholer
This experience is made possible by New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA), a non-profit arts organization dedicated to the cultivation, support, and advancement of new voices in contemporary art. Founded in 2002, NADA hosts year-round programming in New York, Miami, Paris, and Warsaw.
Have a public program coming up? Invite Elliott:
Visit elliottdesai.com for photography and publicity services.
