Dead Darlings is an anonymous and subversive auction series that started in Amsterdam, our collective has been organizing this event annually since 2005. Our platform delves into the intricate dynamics of the love triangle involving artists, artworks, and collectors. By blending elements of performance and exhibition, we spotlight artifacts whose value remains enigmatic—these are our dead darlings. The name Dead Darlings was inspired by the phrase “to kill your darling”.
It refers to a work that an artist has created, yet for any variety of reasons, has not yet brought to light. That’s where we come in, breathing new life into those special artworks!
This Art Fair, established in 2005, provides an alternative to traditional business models in the art world by organizing an annual event where artists independently present and sell their work, bypassing gallery intermediaries. By doing so, the fair fosters entrepreneurial skills and encourages experimentation among participants. Artists receive guidance from experienced coaches and benefit from an educational platform known as This Works. The fair is open to all artists, from emerging talents to mid-career professionals and everyone in between. This Art Fair is part of This Art Foundation.
