Frieze — defined as a horizontal band of carved or painted decoration on a building, began as an art magazine, morphed into a fair in London, then New York and now, for the first time, is being held at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. This chosen location, on a backlot amidst all the faux-city streets and buildings used for filming, is strategic, especially with an expected crowd of art collectors and curators from around the world. Hollywood is still L.A’s identity.
Kori Newkirk. Parade, 2015. Metal, rubber, plastic, feather25½ x 25½ x 2in. (64.8 x 64.8 x 5 cm). Courtesy of
Frieze is partially owned by Endeavor, the talent agency renowned for its co- founder Ari Emanuel, who is also an art collector. Victoria Siddal helms all the fairs but Bettina Korek, of For Your Art’s website, is in charge of the L.A. edition. More than 70 galleries are in one tent designed by Kulapat Yantrasat with big names from New York or Europe but also from L.A including some of the smaller ones that have been subsidized due to their interesting programs.
Though not overly stressed, this art is for sale. Dealers have invested heavily in their booths and hope to profit in one way or another. It is already such a success that there are no tickets available!!!! After all the build-up, you can’t go unless you already have your tickets.
But you can get tickets to Curatorial Projects by Ali Subotnik who asked artists to make individual pieces in areas around the back lot. Curator Hamza Walker has arranged events and talks. There are lots, even walking tours of various L.A. arts districts because out-of-towners may not know that no one walks in L.A.
If frozen out of Frieze, a slew of other fairs are opening this week. Inside the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, galleries and other art-related businesses are participating in Felix, organized by art collector Dean Valentine with Moran Moran Gallery. With less money on the line, it attracts the edgier up-and-comers but should be quite ively. Unlike Frieze, it is free.
Parker Ito. P. 2018. Oil on linen 132x98in/335x249cm. Unique. Image courtesy the artist.
Both of these are newcomers but their attendence benefits Art Los Angeles Contemporary, or ALAC, the 10-year old art fair held at Barker Hanger in Santa Monica. Many of the 80 some galleries have chosen to stay loyal to that fair and its founder Tim Fleming. Some cite the location, which offers easier parking and easier access. Collectors, established or starting out, will feel welcome. There are talks, music, food and other events.
Installation view at Evergold Gallery San Franscisco at ALAC. by Hunter Drohojowska-Philp.
Marnie Weber. The Attraction of Moths. 2019. Collage, acrylic paint and gold leaf on panel in artist made frame. Photo by Hunter Drohojowska-Philp.
Eric Wesley. Estate. 2019. Bortolami Gallery, New York at ALAC. Photo by Hunter Drohojowska-Philp.
In additon to the above named, there are alternative fairs such as “Spring Break” at The STALLS at Skylight ROW DTLA or stARTup operated by artists, in Venice.
Courtesy of stARTup Art Fair Los Angeles.
Courtesy of stARTup Art Fair Los Angeles.
In any case, every gallery in L.A. has put up their best and brightest for the week, if not longer. Just be prepared with walkng shoes, an umbrella and Uber.