Ahead of the 17th edition of Independent , a key trend has already emerged among the exhibitors. No less than six galleries will be presenting solo booths dedicated to Asian artists—from a rising artist making their U.S. debut to a pivotal figure of 20th-century Korean geometric abstraction.

Flagging this thematic concentration to Artnet News, Founder and Creative Director of Independent Elizabeth Dee sees it as pointing to a greater art world inclination, one that stretches far beyond the booth and fair walls.

“As globalization’s effects reverse across Asia and the world,” says Dee, “and as America enters a set of post-empire challenges—working artists are more keen than ever to exhibit in New York right now, as a place that tackles these geopolitical divides. Independent represents a commission opportunity for gallerists and exhibition platform where cultural references have the potential to be debated in their complexity and depth.”

Tseng Chien-Ying, Ornamentation#1/#2 (2026). Photo: Chu Chi-Hung.…