Clio Art Fair’s 19th Edition Closes Spring Season with Provocative Performances and a Fresh Wave of Visionary Art

Following a powerful first act, Clio Art Fair’s 19th edition returned to Chelsea from May 8–11, 2025, with an entirely new lineup of artists, fresh energy, and a continuation of its ambitious performance project, “Behave As If God Exists.” True to its independent spirit, this second week pushed boundaries, deepened dialogues, and delivered a vibrant finale to Clio’s double spring edition.

While many art fairs maintain a static lineup for their entire run, Clio Art Fair’s two-week format allowed for full reinvention between editions. Over 35 new artists were introduced in Week Two, bringing with them bold perspectives and practices that explored themes ranging from identity and ecology to politics and post-human futures.

The venue at 528–532 West 28th Street was once again transformed, reimagined in its layout and content, yet still carrying the same democratic, open feel that defines Clio’s approach. It was a reminder that art doesn’t need velvet ropes and champagne flutes to be powerful. What it needs is room to breathe and be seen, exactly what Clio offers.

Central to the 19th edition was the continuation of Clio’s deeply philosophical performance series, “Behave As If God Exists.” This time, the performances leaned into themes of transformation, embodiment, and resistance, offering audiences both visceral spectacle and introspective space.

The week opened with Adam Niklewicz’s “Remake of Tactile Drawing by Milan Gryger (1966),” which reinterpreted a historic conceptual piece through a modern, interactive lens. Niklewicz’s work invited viewers to reconsider how memory, movement, and mark-making function in a post-digital world.

Later that evening, Denita Benyshek performed “Calling Down The Gods,” a ritualistic and poetic invocation of ancestral forces and forgotten wisdom. Set against an immersive backdrop of sound and gesture, her performance was a stirring meditation on spiritual reclamation in an age of technological acceleration.

FannnSystem delivered a performance that stood out for its experimental intimacy and raw emotional presence. Rather than relying on spectacle or technology, the piece unfolded slowly, almost meditatively, inviting the audience to tune in to subtle gestures and abstract movements that seemed to emerge from deep within.

On May 9, Alexandra Holownia captivated audiences with two performances titled “Impossible” and “Change”, which explored internal transformation and emotional vulnerability through raw movement and minimalist staging. Her works were praised for their quiet intensity and psychological depth.

Closing out the series was Ornah’s hypnotic piece “Don’t [Parvati Remix],” an audio-visual fusion of ancient mythology and remix culture. With echoing vocals, digital beats, and interpretive dance, the performance that left the audience in a trance-like awe.

Another bold sight in this edition, Artist Calicho transformed founder Alessandro Berni’s iconic Fiat 500 into a rolling piece of contemporary art during Clio Art Fair, blurring the line between performance, street art, and personal expression. This bold spray-painted intervention turned mobility into message, rebellion into beauty. Parked in front of the venue like a renegade sculpture, the car became a conversation starter, a backdrop for selfies, and a living testament to the idea that art isn’t just seen, it’s lived, driven, and parked in unexpected places.

While the performances took center stage, what lingered most was the sense of community that Clio fosters. Across both weekends, the fair consistently attracted a wide-ranging crowd, from emerging collectors and curious students to seasoned curators and seasoned creatives. Visitors were encouraged to ask questions, share stories, and spend time with the works and artists.

There was no pretense—only presence.

By centering artists who are self-represented, Clio dismantles the power dynamics often at play in more commercial fairs. It champions the idea that authenticity matters more than market trends, and that art, at its best, is about connection, not commodity.

With the close of its 19th edition, Clio Art Fair has once again proven why it’s such a vital space in the New York art world. It doesn't just host exhibitions—it cultivates experiences. From experimental performances to personal encounters with art, Clio’s dual editions this May reminded us that independent voices are not just necessary, they're the pulse of contemporary culture.

As the spring season ends, one thing is certain: Clio Art Fair continues to evolve, challenge, and uplift. We’ll be watching, and waiting for what’s next.