Review: Zoo 2009

Zoo 2009

Zoo was rather a different atmosphere from uptown Frieze. The crowd was a lot younger and they were wearing far less Marc Jacobs and Prada. The stands were more in keeping with patron, Anita Zabludowicz 176 Gallery and that is to say, rustic and earthy. The 19th century stable/warehouse buildings were in keeping with the art on display and it especially suited the video works, as the buildings were dark and spacious. I also enjoyed the enthusiasm of the less jaded and commercial galleries who had plenty of time to discuss the work on display. Some big names were on hand including the Chapman Brothers and an impressive floor piece by Richard Woods. Held within a new multi-site location situated in the East End, the producers of Zoo Art Fair created an event to rival Frieze. The adapted structures brought together over fifty contemporary arts organisations and practitioners, through a series of curated exhibitions and stand presentations including a section curated by Rob Tufnell. The collectors, curators, critics, dealers, artists and art enthusiasts were not disappointed.