After a hiatus spanning over a decade, legendary art dealer Tony Shafrazi made a highly anticipated return to the art fair scene at this year’s Independent 20th Century fair, held at New York’s iconic Casa Cipriani. Shafrazi’s presence at the fair underscores his continued influence on contemporary art and the art market, blending innovative presentation with a deep respect for art history.

A Visionary Exhibit: Gallery Without Walls

At Independent 20th Century, Shafrazi presented a striking installation titled Gallery Without Walls, featuring monumental works by Zadik Zadikian alongside multi-panel pieces by Brandon Deener. Zadikian’s 4' x 4' x 9' column, Made in USA, crafted from 160 gold ingots, commands both attention and contemplation on themes of value and cultural symbolism. This piece notably follows Zadikian’s acclaimed Solid Gold installation at the Brooklyn Museum, reflecting a continuing exploration of materiality in art.

Brandon Deener’s contributions at Shafrazi’s booth reinterpret canonical pop art icons like Andy Warhol’s Campbell Soup Cans through lenses of Afrofuturism and Black identity. Deener’s work, woven with personal and socio-political narratives, embodies the innovative edge Independent 20th Century seeks to amplify.

Independent 20th Century: Celebrating Rediscovered Histories

The 2025 iteration of Independent 20th Century brings together 31 exhibitors, focusing on the exploration and reexamination of artists from the previous century who remain underappreciated. The fair’s collaborative curation, aided by a diverse international advisory board, aims to challenge standard art historical narratives by spotlighting figures such as Gertrude Greene, Judy Pfaff, and Russian avant-garde dissidents.

This collective vision cultivates a rich dialogue that connects historical twentieth-century artists with contemporary discourse, situating Independent as a vital platform for both rediscovery and innovation.

Shafrazi’s Return: A Statement in the Modern Art Market

Tony Shafrazi’s comeback is more than a personal milestone; it represents a reaffirmation of enduring commitment to visionary art dealings and curatorial excellence. His extensive career, punctuated by historic exhibitions and influential gallery leadership, lends weight to Independent’s ambitious projects.

By intertwining large-scale installation art with socially engaged contemporary pieces, Shafrazi encapsulates the fair’s ethos of challenging and expanding the boundaries of visual culture.

Image Sources and Keywords Integration

• Photographs of Zadik Zadikian’s gold ingot column Made in USA at Independent 20th Century.

• Multi-panel works by Brandon Deener shown in Shafrazi’s booth installation.

• Images capturing Tony Shafrazi engaging with artists and attendees at Casa Cipriani.

• Archival visuals from Shafrazi’s landmark exhibitions that shaped contemporary art.

Keywords Naturally Embedded in the Article

• influential figure in contemporary art

• monumental installation art

• underappreciated twentieth-century artists

• collaborative curation

• New York’s Independent 20th Century art fair

• cultural and social visual culture dialogues

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FAQ

Who is Tony Shafrazi and why is his return notable?

Tony Shafrazi is a prominent art dealer known for shaping contemporary art's course. His return to the art fair circuit after more than 12 years marks a significant re-engagement with the evolving art scene.

What was the highlight of Shafrazi’s exhibition at Independent 20th Century?

The installation Made in USA by Zadik Zadikian and the multi-panel works of Brandon Deener, blending material symbolism with themes of identity and cultural critique.

What distinguishes Independent 20th Century from other art fairs?

The fair emphasizes rediscovering overlooked twentieth-century artists while fostering contemporary artistic innovation through collaborative international curation.

How does Shafrazi’s presentation reflect his legacy?

By combining large installation art with socially engaged contemporary works, Shafrazi continues to challenge and expand the boundaries of art.

Where was Independent 20th Century held and when?

The 2025 fair took place at Casa Cipriani in New York City from September 4 to 7, featuring 31 exhibitors showcasing diverse art forms.