Independent 20th Century was built to counteract the hype cycle. The trade's downturn is its biggest test

Elizabeth Dee reflects on the origins of the Independent 20th Century fair, describing its inception during a time of isolation and uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where they aimed to create a space for art that could resonate with a world yearning for connection and creativity. She emphasizes that the fair was a response to the prevailing market conditions shaped by a desire for meaningful engagement with art, rather than just monetary speculation.

Dee discusses the shift in the art market, noting that the previous inflationary period focused on emerging artists and NFT speculation distanced the market from its roots. She points out that Independent 20th Century was created to provide an alternative, focusing on artists whose work remained significant amidst the pandemic's changes, allowing for a deeper exploration of modernism without the pressure of speculative pricing.

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