The Unique Curatorial Vision of SPARK Art Fair

What sets SPARK apart is its commitment to curation over pure commerce. Unlike many fairs where galleries showcase multiple artists in crowded booths, SPARK enforces a solo-booth format. Each gallery presents a single artist, allowing visitors to engage deeply with the artworks. Furthermore, all exhibitors receive the same booth size, ensuring an equitable platform and a spacious, welcoming atmosphere for visitors and collectors alike.

Walter Seidl, the artistic director of the fair, explains: “We wanted to create a space where visitors are not overwhelmed by the sheer volume of artworks. The solo-booth format allows for a much deeper understanding of an artist’s practice.”

Walter Seidl: Curator, Writer, and Visionary

A key figure in shaping SPARK Art Fair’s identity, Walter Seidl is a curator, writer, and photographer who ensures the fair remains a dynamic platform for both emerging and established artists. His curatorial approach integrates contemporary socio-political themes with conceptual depth, making SPARK a key destination for collectors interested in thought-provoking art.

For the 2025 edition, Seidl highlights the fair’s growing international outreach. Originally focused on Central and Eastern European (CEE) art, SPARK has broadened its scope to include artists from around the world. The upcoming edition will place a special emphasis on performative practices. “We are thrilled to integrate more live elements into the fair. Art is ever-evolving; it engages with its audience, and we aim to reflect that vibrant interaction,” says Seidl.

Top CEE Galleries and Artists to Watch

SPARK Art Fair remains committed to showcasing galleries from the CEE region, offering visitors the opportunity to discover emerging talent. Among the standout participants is acb Gallery from Hungary, presenting Selma Selman from Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose multimedia work explores themes of identity, marginalisation, and empowerment. Einspach & Czapolai Fine Art, also from Hungary, exhibits Tamás Dezső, a photographer known for documenting Eastern Europe’s cultural transformations. From Poland, Ewa Opalka Gallery features Mariola Przyjemska, whose paintings and photography critically examine consumer culture. Romania’s Ivan Gallery presents Lia Perjovschi, an interdisciplinary artist focused on knowledge systems and memory. P74 Gallery from Slovenia showcases Jože Barši, a sculptor and installation artist who redefines space and materiality, while Barvinskyi Art Gallery from Ukraine highlights Ville Kylätasku, a Finnish painter and sculptor whose work delves into human-nature relationships.

Seidl underscores the importance of supporting artists from this region: “Central and Eastern Europe has a rich artistic tradition that often remains underrepresented in global markets. SPARK provides a crucial platform for these artists to gain international visibility.”

Walter Seidl’s Advice for Emerging Collectors

Navigating the world of art fairs can be overwhelming for new collectors, but Walter Seidl offers essential insights to make the most of SPARK Art Fair. He stresses the importance of engaging deeply with each artist’s work, as the solo-booth format allows for a more immersive experience. He encourages visitors to interact with curators and gallerists, who can provide valuable insights into the artists’ practices. Seidl also recommends considering emerging talent, noting that some of the most rewarding collections begin with discovering an artist at an early stage in their career.

Thinking long-term is key; he advises collectors to buy with their hearts while also educating themselves about an artist’s trajectory. Lastly, he highlights the value of participating beyond the fair itself by attending talks, performances, and networking events.

The EduArt Trip to Vienna: A Deeper Dive into the Art Scene

For those looking to experience Vienna’s dynamic art scene beyond SPARK Art Fair, the EduArt Trip offers an exclusive programme. Along with guided tours of SPARK led by curators and experts, participants will have the chance to visit some of the city’s most prestigious institutions. Special visits include Christie’s Vienna, where Angela Baillou will provide insights into the auction world, the Heidi Horten Collection with curator Veronique Apburg offering an in-depth look at one of Austria’s most fascinating private collections, and Phileas, The Austrian Fund for Contemporary Art, where Margherita Belcredi will discuss strategies for supporting and promoting contemporary artists.

These exclusive meetings provide participants with a unique perspective on different facets of the art world, making the trip an invaluable experience for those eager to deepen their knowledge and engagement with contemporary art.