Bringing together the world’s best galleries and today’s most influential and talked about artists, Art Frieze New York returns to The Shed in Manhattan from May 18 – 22, 2022.
Just when we thought New York’s art week couldn’t get any better – it just did. This year, Art Frieze New York’s birthday celebrations mark 10 years since its original organisers expanded to include the city.
The art fair was the brainchild of of English entrepreneurs Amanda Sharp and Matthew Slotover and has been held in London since 2003. In 2019 it expanded further to include Los Angeles.
With hopes of continuing its traditions in showcasing artists through multiple forms of ambitious gallery presentations, the Art Frieze is a momentous event. Themes relating to activism, NFT action, and stellar shows will take centre stage and visitors are able to attend in-person and virtual viewing rooms once more.
Yesterday it made a return to the Big Apple with over 65 participating galleries on the A-list – including DDW’s all-time favourite Sean Kelly Gallery.
I admire Frieze Art because it will always be a place for art enthusiasts to gather as they wander between viewing rooms. I like how Forbes describes it; “some simply enjoy the art, while others look to source an original piece.”
Now you may be thinking, what’s unique about this fair compared to the bazillion others out there?
Unique to other art fairs, Frieze New York has rigorous programming and exclusive events with themed shows, gallery presentations, and spotlights on up-and-coming artists. Not to mention its location.
One of the most inspiring things about the cultural life in New York City and specifically concerning visual art is that there are an extraordinary amount of incredible organisations.
It is one of the most vibrant cities on the planet because it welcomes different worlds of art. Every newcomer who has ever arrived with a cultural suitcase has contributed to the sounds, tastes and textures of New York.
It promotes visibility and creates a space where people can safely come and see themselves reflected in the artwork. It also shows people that there is more to life than they see.
Speaking of seeing more – a dedicated instalment of the Frieze Viewing Room has opened in advance of the fair on May 13, offering a first look at the fair’s galleries and programming.
This tool brings Frieze New York to online audiences across the globe – including sections such as ‘Frame’, highlighting galleries under ten years old, and a 3D viewing room powered by Vortic’s technology.
Here viewers can virtually step into the white-walled booths and experience the metaverse right in the comfort of their homes. Check out the virtual room here, from non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to videos and interviews.
But in the meantime, for those of you who are dying for me to unleash the top five exhibits to see – let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. So let me dig up some fantastic must-see artworks. Are you ready?
This year’s highlights, according to Hype Beast, include “a solo presentation of works by Carol Bove at David Zwirner, Albert Oehlen at Gagosian, Mai-Thu Perret at David Kordansky, and large-scale works by Charles Gaines at Hauser & Wirth.”
Moreover, Sadie Coles HQ will spotlight pieces by Alex Da Corte to coincide with a list of celebrated artists such as Urs Fischer and Sarah Lucas. Not to mention Perrotin, which will display sculptures from its star-studded roster of artists such as Paola Pivi, Bharti Kher, Daniel Arsham, and Takashi Murakami.
There will be a slew of new young-faced upcoming international artists and galleries joining Fame that include: Capsule Shanghai (Shanghai), Château Shatto (Los Angeles), Company Gallery (New York), Dastan Gallery (Tehran), Hannah Hoffman Gallery (Los Angeles), Instituto de Visión (Bogotá, New York), Regards (Chicago) and Édouard Montassut (Paris).
So you see, Art Frieze New York is the big main event we have all been waiting for. If you are just as excited as I am, head over to the virtual showing room to get your mind blown or dive into the actual event by booking here.