Condo 2017 transformed London into a global art hub, hosting 36 international galleries across 15 local spaces in a collaborative exhibition from January 14 to February 11, 2017. Highlights included works by Oscar Murillo, Yutaka Sone, and Ouyang Chun, and a spirit of generosity that reimagined the art fair model.

Condo 2017: A Citywide Celebration of Contemporary Art

In January 2017, London’s art scene was electrified by the second edition of Condo, a pioneering initiative that redefined how galleries collaborate and exhibit. Spearheaded by Vanessa Carlos of Carlos/Ishikawa, Condo invited 36 galleries from cities like New York, Berlin, São Paulo, Zurich, and Shanghai to co-exhibit in 15 of London’s most dynamic contemporary spaces. The result was a sprawling, citywide exhibition that ran until February 11, offering a fresh alternative to traditional art fairs.

A Generous Model of Collaboration

Unlike conventional fairs, Condo emphasized cooperation over competition. London galleries offered their spaces for free, allowing international partners to showcase their artists alongside local talent. This model fostered deeper conversations between curators, artists, and audiences, and made high-quality contemporary art more accessible to the public.

Notable Highlights

• Carlos/Ishikawa hosted works by Oscar Murillo, Yutaka Sone, and Ouyang Chun, including Chun’s striking “Flying Moths” series.
• ICA London featured Guan Xiao’s “Flattened Metal,” a standout piece that explored industrial aesthetics.
• Maureen Paley and other host galleries presented cutting-edge installations that blurred boundaries between local and global perspectives.
• The event’s preview weekend (January 14–15) drew large crowds despite cold weather, with visitors crisscrossing the city to experience the full scope of the exhibition.

A Platform for Emerging Voices

Condo 2017 was praised for spotlighting emerging artists and lesser-known galleries, giving them visibility in a major art capital without the prohibitive costs of traditional fairs. It also encouraged audiences to explore new neighborhoods and gallery spaces, enriching London’s cultural map.

Legacy and Impact

While Condo debuted in 2016 and returned in 2017 with expanded participation, its future iterations varied in format and geography. The 2017 edition remains a landmark moment for collaborative exhibition-making, demonstrating that resource-sharing and curatorial innovation can thrive in the art world.

If you’re curious whether Condo continued in later years or expanded to other cities, I can look that up for you too.

Visit Condo’s website for further information.