The Bespoke Frieze London
For 10 years, Frieze London has highlighted an eclectic mix of global art galleries. From established to emerging artists, Frieze offers an eccentric glimpse of the international art world to the public. Frieze London has stepped up its presentation of collective art this year, offering a larger dedicated space, more thought-provoking programs, and fresh new talent.
This season, a stylish partnership was formed with Alexander McQueen, the new Associate Sponsor for Frieze London, who also champions the arts for the public. The Frieze’s grounds have been resigned by architecture firm Carmody Groarke, which has developed the area with a new layout and bespoke structure. This new design offers a more spacious appeal and an ideal arrangement to view and present art.
Alongside the redesign of the grounds, Frieze London kicked off its season with its new Frieze Foundation Curator, Nicola Lees. Formerly from the Serpentine, Lees designed a multi-platform program focusing on more modern practices. Highlights include an innovative social project by Emdash Award winner Pilvi Takala, who devised a community of children to create the form and scope of the project through workshops. An intricate structure developed by Andreas Angelidakis functioned as a platform for the performances from Frieze Projects. For Frieze Music, American composer and singer Meredith Monk performed with Katie Geissinger, and five commissioned films debuted through Frieze Film designed in conjunction with Channel 4 in the UK.
New galleries joining the bevy of global participants include Blum & Poe in Los Angeles, Marian Goodman in New York, Galerie Max Hetzler in Berlin, Googman Gallery in Johannesberg, Maccarone in New York, Overduin and Kite in Los Angeles, and Rodeo in Instanbul. The main gallery highlights included Salon94’s curated booth focusing on feminist art in the late ’80s and early ’90s by Lorna Simpson, Laurie Simmons, Sylvie Fleury, and Marilyn Minter. Overduin and Kite showcased a solo booth of works by Los Angeles-based Artist Kaari Upson.
While Frieze offers contemporary and modern works, Frieze Frame and Frieze Focus are devoted to new artists and solo exhibits. Highlights included Ilja Karilampi’s installation inspired by Jimi Hendrix and Trevor Paglen’s sculpture of a spacecraft prototype that could be launched into orbit.
The Frieze Scuplture Park situated in the English Gardens of Regent’s Park featured a selection of works from Frieze London and Frieze Masters including pieces by David Shrigley, Helen Chadwick and Joan Miró. Curated by Clare Lilley, Director of Programs at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, it featured sculptures from contemporary artists from the medieval era to present day.
