The 2024 edition of The Armory Show in New York, an annual hub for contemporary and modern art, has announced the winners of three prestigious prizes awarded to exceptional exhibitors. The awards, sponsored by partners Champagne Pommery, TPC Art Finance, and Sauer, spotlight outstanding works across the Platform, Presents, and Focus sections of the fair, reflecting the show’s commitment to recognizing artistic innovation and excellence.
Pommery Prize Winner: Anina Major, TERN Gallery
The highly regarded Pommery Prize, supported by Champagne Pommery, was awarded to artist Anina Major for her work The Landing (2024), presented by TERN Gallery. Major’s large-scale installation in the Platform section stood out for its conceptual depth and striking execution. The $25,000 prize, now in its sixth year, celebrates an exceptional presentation of large-scale art, and Major’s work exemplifies the kind of ambitious, thought-provoking projects that the award seeks to honor. The jury included Suzanne McFayden, a notable collector; Catherine Morris, Senior Curator at the Brooklyn Museum; and Pauline Vranken, CEO of Vranken-Pommery America, who recognized Major’s presentation for its artistry and scale.
TPC Art Finance Presents Prize: Mrs. Gallery
Mrs., a gallery known for championing emerging voices, received the TPC Art Finance Presents Prize for its presentation of artist Alexandra Barth. The award, established in 2017, is given to a standout presentation in the Presents section of the fair, which focuses on young and innovative galleries. Mrs. Gallery’s exhibition of Barth’s work earned the prize, covering their booth costs, a significant financial endorsement of the gallery’s efforts. Jurors Kimberli Gant, Curator of Modern & Contemporary at the Brooklyn Museum; Jarl Mohn, Collector and President Emeritus of NPR; and David Shapiro of David Shapiro Fine Art, praised the gallery for its engaging and innovative display.
Sauer Artist Prize: Oliver Herring, BANK Gallery
The Sauer Artist Prize, which awards $10,000 to an artist from the Focus section, was presented to Oliver Herring, represented by BANK Gallery. Known for his experimental and interdisciplinary approach, Herring’s work captivated jurors for its excellence and originality. The Focus section, which highlights thematic exhibitions and critically engaging projects, provided the perfect context for Herring’s thought-provoking pieces. The jury for this prize included Eric Booker, Associate Curator at Storm King Art Center; Tracy O’Brien, a collector; and Stephanie Wenk, Creative Director at Sauer, who acknowledged Herring’s work as a standout in this dynamic section.
The Armory Show’s Continued Impact on New York’s Art Scene
Since its founding in 1994, The Armory Show has played a critical role in maintaining New York’s status as a global cultural capital. Each year, the fair attracts leading international galleries, curators, and collectors, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and creative energy. The 2024 edition featured 235 galleries from 35 countries, underscoring the fair’s global reach and influence. Held at the Javits Center from September 6–8, with a VIP preview on September 5, the event continues to be a vital platform for contemporary art, engaging the public with its curated exhibitions and thought-provoking programming. Through these prizes, the fair provides meaningful financial support to its participants, ensuring the continued growth and evolution of the art world.
