The Bloomberg team–Lindsay Pollock and Katya Kazakina–survey the Armory Show as it opens:

Dealers — 243 from 55 countries — said they expect slower sales this week.

“It’s a different time, there’s no denying that,” said Chelsea dealer Derek Eller, who is selling drawings by Dan Fischer and Dominic McGill, priced $15,000 to $26,000. [ . . . ]

“The Armory is going to break a few people’s backs,” said Chelsea dealer Leo Koenig. “If people are in a state of desperation now, they might get out with just a black eye. It’s not going to get any prettier anytime soon.” [ . . . ]

The fair this year is adding a modern-art section with 67 dealers, featuring more established names such as Romare Bearden, whose work will be sold at DC Moore Gallery. [ . . . ]

Some dealers remain optimistic. Berlin and Leipzig-based Galerie EIGEN + ART, will feature German painter Matthias Weischer at the Armory, with nine paintings priced $35,000 to $120,000.

“I think I’ll sell most of the paintings by the second day,” said EIGEN + ART dealer Gerd Harry Lybke. “You’ll see my red dots on the walls.”

‘Meat Head’ Bronze at $250,000 Highlights Armory Show in N.Y. (Bloomberg)