International Stage of Art Converging in New York

The Armory Show 2025 returned to New York from September 4 to 7, once again transforming the Javits Center into one of the most significant meeting points for the global art world. With more than 230 galleries from over 35 countries, the fair maintained its reputation as a dynamic crossroads between modern masters and contemporary voices. Collectors, curators, and art lovers from around the world filled the spacious halls, exploring works that ranged from canonical postwar pieces to daring new experiments. The atmosphere was energetic and cosmopolitan, with large-scale installations and thoughtfully curated booths drawing steady attention throughout the week.

This year’s edition marked the 31st Armory Show in the fair’s history, and the second organized entirely under Frieze’s ownership. The change in leadership has not diminished its identity as one of New York’s cornerstone art events, but rather underscored its growing integration into the broader ecosystem of international art fairs.

Whitestone Gallery Showcasing the Diversity of East Asian Contemporary Art

Whitestone Gallery's Booth

Whitestone Gallery participated at Booth 432, presenting a selection that reflected both the gallery’s historical roots and its forward-looking vision. The booth brought together works by Lee Ufan and Takeo Yamaguchi, key figures of postwar Japanese abstraction, alongside the contemporary practices of Kohei Kyomori and Soonik Kwon. This balance between heritage and innovation created a distinctive atmosphere that resonated strongly with visitors. Many paused in front of Lee Ufan’s meditative canvases, where subtle brushwork and restrained gestures embodied a quiet yet powerful presence. Takeo Yamaguchi’s bold abstractions added a contrasting sense of depth and materiality, anchoring the booth with their historical significance.

Whitestone Gallery's Booth

Among the contemporary presentations, Kohei Kyomori’s intricate patterns, reinterpreting global decorative traditions through a modern lens, stood out as a highlight. His works generated lively conversations, with viewers tracing the dense, colorful surfaces that revealed unexpected connections between past and present. Soonik Kwon’s pieces, meanwhile, introduced a more experimental sensibility, offering playful yet carefully considered explorations of form and material. Together, these contributions underscored Whitestone’s commitment to bridging generations and fostering dialogue across cultures.

Whitestone Gallery's Booth

Asian Sensibilities Transforming Trends in Contemporary Art

Beyond Whitestone’s booth, several critics noted how artists of Asian heritage and those working with traditional materials drew significant attention this year. Works that combined refined craftsmanship—such as paper, textile, or intricate surface treatments—with conceptual or identity-driven themes were particularly well received. While the fair does not adhere to a single overarching theme, this convergence of material sensitivity and conceptual clarity was visible across many presentations, reflecting a broader appetite for works that honor tradition while speaking to contemporary contexts.

Whitestone Gallery's Booth

The Armory Show is not only a marketplace but also a stage for trends and ideas that shape the wider art world. This year’s edition demonstrated how historical narratives and contemporary practices can coexist productively, sparking conversations that transcend borders. For Whitestone Gallery, participation in The Armory Show 2025 marked another meaningful step in strengthening its presence in the Western market, while continuing to highlight the richness of Japanese art in dialogue with global contemporary practices.