﹒The New York Times
A wonderfully self-referential presentation here is by Oliver Herring at the Shanghai gallery Bank, part of the Focus section organized by Farrell. Herring was included in the original Armory Show in 1994, and his glitzy, knitted mylar works here reference concerns still deeply relevant in our moment, including queer representation and identity. Herring is also participating in Armory Off-Site with a performance on the Bowery that channels the dancer Rudolf Nureyev, who died of AIDS complications in 1993. With his work often featuring artists whose lives were cut short, Herring’s staying power conjures another relic from that early ’90s moment: Queer Nation’s slogan, “We’re here! We’re Queer! Get used to it!” In fact, the Armory — or art fairs in general — could adopt that phrase. They’re here; get used to it.
﹒L'Officiel
Renowned artist Oliver Herring is slated to present several off-site performances, combining the arts of choreography and poetry in a haunting, unforgettable display. The performance pays homage to icons within the LGBTQ community and dives into the artist's experiences with gender and sexuality.
Following each performance, guests are invited to listen to panel discussions led by various cultural icons for a truly enriching, full-circle experience with the event. If you're interested in attending one of three presentations from September 6 through September 8, be sure to RSVP ahead of time.
﹒DESCENE
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.
﹒HYPERALLERGIC
"Shinest Booth"
This category was neck-and-neck this year, as more than a handful of galleries got their glitz on with their sparkliest and in some cases most migraine-inducing inventory. Despite the glittery competition, the winner was without a doubt the booth of the Shanghai gallery Bank, presenting several of Oliver Herring's late 1990s-early 2000s knitted silver Mylar works.
The immediate festive appearance of these pieces takes on a deeper significance when considering that they were conceived as a tribute to the drag artist Ethyl Eichelberger, who died by suicide two years after receiving an AIDS diagnosis. Like Eichelberger's legacy,
Herring's sculptures shine on.
