The 44th edition of ARCOmadrid, Spain’s premier International Contemporary Art Fair, took place from March 5 to 9, 2025, at the IFEMA Convention Center in Madrid. This year’s fair showcased a diverse array of artistic expressions, reflecting both global trends and local narratives.

A Platform for Diverse Artistic Voices

ARCOmadrid 2025 featured 206 galleries from 36 countries, presenting works by over 1,300 artists. The fair’s General Programme served as its backbone, with galleries selected by the Organising Committee. Curated sections like “Opening. New Galleries” and “Profiles | Latin American Art” highlighted emerging talents and reinforced the fair’s longstanding connection with Latin American art.

The Amazon as Central Theme

This year’s central project, “Wametise: Ideas for an Amazofuturism,” curated by Denilson Baniwa and María Wills in collaboration with the Institute for Postnatural Studies, focused on the Amazon. The project explored new modes of creation representing hybrid existences between human, plant, physical, and metaphysical bodies, prompting reflections on environmental and cultural sustainability.

Notable Sales and Institutional Acquisitions

The fair reported significant sales, underscoring its commercial success. A sculpture by British artist Antony Gormley sold for over €650,000. The Museo Reina Sofía and the Spanish Ministry of Culture jointly acquired 26 works for nearly €500,000, including a photograph by Marina Vargas. elpais.com

Provocative and Thought-Provoking Works

ARCOmadrid 2025 was marked by artworks that addressed pressing social and political issues. Ramón Mateos’s piece “7.291” symbolised the number of deaths in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic under Madrid’s regional government. Eugenio Merino’s aforementioned dishwasher installation critiqued the media’s portrayal of far-right figures. These works sparked conversations among attendees, reflecting the fair’s engagement with contemporary societal concerns. cadenaser.com

Royal Endorsement

The fair received a notable visit from the Spanish monarch, who toured the exhibition and engaged with artists and their works. Their presence highlighted ARCOmadrid’s cultural significance and its role in promoting contemporary art within Spain and internationally. elpais.com

ARCOmadrid 2025 successfully reaffirmed its position as a pivotal event in the contemporary art calendar. By blending commercial success with thought-provoking artistic discourse, the fair showcased Madrid’s vibrant art scene and its capacity to engage with global artistic dialogues.