Independent 20th Century Returns to the Breuer with Expanded Roster

From September 24 to 27, 2026, the Independent 20th Century art fair was held at the Breuer building, now operated by Sotheby’s. This edition was 75% larger than previous years, featuring approximately 57 exhibitors and over 130 artists. The fair continued its focus on 20th-century art, offering a broad selection of works from established galleries and artists.

Among the highlights was the presentation by Lévy Gorvy Dayan, which showcased works by Yves Klein from the early 1960s. The display included Klein’s Blue Rain installation and several of his signature Cosmogonies—paintings marked by natural forces such as rain and wind. These works reflect Klein’s engagement with the elements and his interest in the interaction between art and nature.

The fair also emphasized the artistic dialogue between Klein and Lucio Fontana. Both artists explored connections to light and nature, and their friendship was marked by a shared fascination with physical space and a desire to push the boundaries of traditional painting.

The origins of Independent 20th Century trace back nearly two decades, when the organization operated with a small team and limited resources. Early on, curator Cecilia Alemani, then recently graduated from Bard College, was the sole employee, tasked with organizing exhibitions in a large space despite a lack of budget. This combination of ambition and resourcefulness contributed to the fair’s growth and eventual move to the Breuer building.

For collectors and art enthusiasts, the 2026 edition of Independent 20th Century provided an opportunity to experience a diverse range of 20th-century works in an expanded setting, reinforcing the fair’s role in shaping the conversation around modern and contemporary art.