This year's Armory Show took place from September 24–27 at the Javits Center in New York City, marking another landmark event in the global art calendar. Hosting approximately 230 galleries from over 30 countries, the fair featured an impressive range of works across its various sections. The main “Galleries” section showcased around 120 participants, including Whitestone Gallery, while the “Solo” area hosted 20 additional exhibitors. Other highlights included the expanded “Focus,” “Presents,” and “Platform” sections, which contributed to a diverse and dynamic art experience.

Despite heavy rains throughout the fair period, the halls were lively and bustling with activity from the very first day. Visitors engaged deeply with artworks, actively conversing with gallerists, and frequently inquiring about prices. The enthusiasm and energy reflect the enduring appeal of the Armory Show.

The Armory Show 2026

Whitestone Gallery had a prominent presence, occupying a corner booth strategically located near the main entrance. The open-view setup featured three exceptional Asian women artists: Atsuko Tanaka, Toko Shinoda, and Dai Ying, whose abstract works immediately captured attention and sparked dialogue. From the outset, visitors expressed profound admiration for the artists and the gallery’s curated presentation. The gallery’s press release hard copies displayed at the booth needed replenishment each day to meet sustained demand.

Toko Shinoda: Abstract Grace in Ink

Toko Shinoda’s breathtaking abstract ink works drew significant attention, generating the highest volume of price inquiries. To offer collectors a range of options, Whitestone Gallery paired her original ink works with limited edition prints, making her art accessible across different budgets.

Shinoda’s art is celebrated for its graceful brushwork, striking contrast in ink concentrations, and meditative calm. Her work transcends language and culture, connecting deeply with viewers through its timeless elegance. Among the featured pieces was the monumental "Cherishing" (1977), which epitomizes the artist’s mastery of sumi ink abstraction. The fluidity and immediacy of Shinoda’s compositions, informed by classical Chinese philosophy, evoke a serene philosophical depth while achieving universal resonance through abstraction.

Atsuko Tanaka: Bridging Art, Technology, and Life

Atsuko Tanaka’s artworks at Whitestone Gallery Booth

Atsuko Tanaka’s vibrant and monumental works captivated visitors, particularly Western collectors unfamiliar with the legendary Japanese abstract painter. As one of the most prominent figures of the Gutai movement, Tanaka’s revolutionary explorations of the connections between art, technology, and human life resonate profoundly in the contemporary context.

The highlight at Whitestone’s booth was Tanaka’s painting, "Work" (1970), making its New York debut. Visitors were drawn to its vivid visual language, reflecting the vibrancy and complexity of Tanaka’s artistic vision.

Dai Ying: Layers of Emotion and Energy

Dai Ying’s artworks at Whitestone Gallery Booth

Representing new ink innovation, Chinese artist Dai Ying joined Whitestone Gallery’s booth during the Armory Show, offering insights into her creative process with wide audiences. Visitors were captivated by her richly textured works, which feature layers built using obsidian, mineral pigments, and her own hands. These tactile compositions, whether on canvas or paper, channel powerful energy and emotions, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in her dynamic artistic world.

Uniting Visionary Women Artists

Whitestone Gallery Booth

Whitestone Gallery’s thoughtfully curated presentation united the works of three visionary women artists across different eras, materials, and styles. From the bold innovations of Atsuko Tanaka and the meditative elegance of Toko Shinoda to the cosmic and emotionally charged layers of Dai Ying, the booth illuminated the profound connections between personal narratives, societal transformations, and artistic evolution.

The Armory Show 2026 was a testament to the power of art to transcend borders and time. Whitestone Gallery’s presentation not only celebrated the unique voices of these three women but also demonstrated the gallery's commitment to showcasing art that inspires and resonates universally.