AU · International contemporary art platformThe second edition of Untitled Art, Houston took place until 4 October at the George R. Brown Convention Center, bringing together 98 galleries—an 11% increase from the inaugural event’s 88 exhibitors. About one fifth of this year’s exhibitors were from Texas, with Houston galleries especially well represented. Returning Houston galleries included Inman Gallery, McClain Gallery, Moody Gallery, and Sicardi Ayers Bacino, as well as younger spaces like Laura (the gallery) and Seven Sisters. Martha’s from Austin also participated. Notably, all five Dallas-based galleries that exhibited last year did not return for this edition.
International galleries contributed to the fair’s diversity. Kaufmann Repetto, based in New York and Milan, shared a stand with Anton Kern Gallery, and Nara Roesler, with locations in New York, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, also took part. The VIP preview on 1 October saw notable sales, particularly for artists with strong Texas connections. Moody Gallery sold Mary McCleary’s "Earth Felt the Wound" for $80,000, and McClain Gallery sold Dorothy Hood’s "Tixo in the Morning" for $95,000 to a new local collector.
Other galleries reported successful sales during the preview. Richard Saltoun Gallery, with spaces in London, New York, and Rome, sold paintings by Bea Scaccia for prices between $15,000 and $40,000 to new and international clients. Los Angeles-based galleries Megan Mulrooney and Feia both sold out their stands, while Laura (the gallery), PFA Gallery from Washington, DC, Tulsa Artist Fellowship, and Night Gallery reported near sell-outs.
A new floor plan at the convention center improved the flow of the fair, making it feel more open despite the increased number of exhibitors. Houston’s lack of comprehensive citywide zoning laws has made studio space more affordable and allowed for the emergence of DIY spaces in various types of buildings. This environment has helped artists maintain studios and experiment, contributing to a supportive artistic community.
Houston’s energy wealth has influenced its collecting community, with figures such as Leigh and Reggie Smith and Judy Nyquist attending the VIP opening. Artists at the fair demonstrated a wide range of materials and approaches. Ledvina’s work, for example, included paint, leather, watercolour, rocks, wire, clay, ink, and coloured pencil. Photographer Blank documented the Art Car Parade, showing participants’ creative use of feathers, found objects, ironwork, and cowhide. Prices at the fair varied, with some stands like Nature of Things offering works below $4,000, while others presented higher-priced pieces.
Local talent was also highlighted. Erin Dorn, founder of Seven Sisters, showed work by Houston-based artist Emily Peacock, whose photography draws on her everyday life and identity. Raina Lee, a Los Angeles artist presented by Burton, attracted attention with painted ceramic postcards priced from $2,000 to $9,000. Overall, Untitled Art, Houston provided a platform for both emerging and established artists, reflecting the city’s dynamic and supportive art ecosystem.
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