October in London means crisp air, changing leaves, and, for the art world, a full-scale invasion of Regent's Park. This year, nearly 300 galleries are descending upon the city for Frieze London and Frieze Masters, running from October 14 to 18.
Think of it as a two-for-one art extravaganza. Frieze London is bringing 172 exhibitors to the party, while Frieze Masters is holding its own with 138. And because some galleries just can't pick a favorite, eight of them—including Hauser & Wirth and Hales—are pulling double duty with booths at both events.
Eva Langret, Frieze’s EMEA director, sums up the vibe: it's all about the sheer, glorious range of participants. From the old guard to the avant-garde, from established art capitals to emerging scenes, Frieze aims to give everyone a shot at the spotlight. Because apparently, great art doesn't care about your zip code.
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Start Your News DetoxWhat to Expect at Frieze London
Frieze London is rolling out the red carpet for heavy hitters like Gagosian and Pace Gallery. Naturally, London's own art darlings, such as Sadie Coles HQ, will also be there, likely fueling the city's already vibrant art scene.
The fair is also big on "discovery." Translation: they're putting the new kids on the block—emerging artists and younger galleries—right up front, near the entrance. This year, keep an eye out for Márcia Falcão at Fortes d’Aloia & Gabriel, and Agata Ingarden at Berthold Pott, who snagged prime spots.
Curated Sections to Ponder
Frieze London is introducing "The Code Universe," a section that sounds suitably mysterious and will explore how artists riff on societal shifts using everything from everyday objects to mass media. Think Carolyn Lazard and Selma Selman. Then there’s the returning "Artist-to-Artist" section, where big-name artists like Gala Porras-Kim and Jeffrey Gibson play mentor, championing a peer's work. It's like a high-brow, art-world recommendation engine.
And for those who like their art fresh, the "Focus" section shines a light on galleries that have popped up in the last 12 years. Names like 56 Henry and Franz Kaka will be making their mark.
A Peek at Frieze Masters
Over at Frieze Masters, it's a journey through time, from ancient artifacts to Old Masters, all the way to 20th-century art. The main Galleries section will feature Ortuzar, Skarstedt, and Axel Vervoordt. Because who doesn't love a good antiquity next to a modern masterpiece?
The "Reflections" section is back for its second year, drawing inspiration from architectural marvels like Casa Luis Barragán in Mexico City. Ammann Gallery and Tristan Hoare are among those participating. Meanwhile, the "Spotlight" section, curated by Devika Singh and Sofia Gotti, is going big this year, with solo presentations of 20th-century art from artists like Pacita Abad and Ernest Mancoba.
But perhaps the most intriguing debut is "Queering Modernism: Visual Languages of the 20th Century." Conceived by Anke Kempkes, this section will be woven throughout the fair, featuring presentations like Claude Cahun and Judy Chicago at Alberta Pane Gallery. Because modernism, like everything else, contains multitudes.
Deutsche Bank is still holding strong as the global lead partner, a relationship now spanning 23 years. Their VIP lounge will feature an installation by Studio Lenca, exploring personal memories of migration—a poignant counterpoint to the art market buzz.
Kristell Chadé, Frieze’s executive director of fairs, notes that both fairs offer fresh perspectives across generations and disciplines. Together, they solidify London's status as the undeniable center of the international art world every October. So, if you're looking for art, London's got about 300 reasons to visit.
