For The Art World, Cologne Is Wearing Off

"At the end of October, art-watchers ritually turn their focus to the world's oldest fair for modern and contemporary art...Art Cologne not only reflect[s] market trends, but also help[s] shape them, and the fair has often provided an influential forum for new talent. Yet with the proliferation of similar fairs, including London's 'Frieze,' Cologne's preeminence can no longer be taken for granted." This year, Art Cologne featured 253 galleries from 22 countries, although "the quality of works on view was decidedly mixed...there are so many special presentations, parallel shows and attractions that the event threatens to be obscured rather than enhanced."