Esther, an art fair co-founded by Olga Temnikova and Margot Samel, showcases international artists and galleries, emphasizing the unique cultural context of Estonia, their home nation. Currently in its second year at the Beaux-Arts Estonian House in Manhattan, the fair has raised participation fees yet remains affordable compared to larger fairs. Despite logistical challenges posed by political issues affecting art shipping and artist travel, Esther aims to create a vibrant platform for artistic expression and collaboration across borders, featuring 25 galleries including those from the US and Europe.
"My programme in general, not just talking about Esther, is quite international. I don't show a lot of American artists. That's the main topic right now: artists being worried about coming to the US."
"It is an art fair obviously, and I'm a little more comfortable saying the word these days," says Samel.
"Although the cost of participating in Esther has gone up, from $1,500 to $2,500, it remains a tiny fraction of the typical stand fee for a larger fair."
"Esther is susceptible to shifts in global forces, like US President Donald Trump's trade war and crackdown on migrants, which have made it unclear what costs might be tagged on to the shipping of art and whether it is safe for artists to travel to the US."
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