Amid the buzz and anticipation surrounding Frieze Los Angeles, the fair’s fifth edition promises to be a compelling array of international exhibitors and established Los Angeles galleries. According to Christine Messineo, Frieze’s director of Americas the fair is the most diverse yet. Set to grace the Santa Monica Airport from February 29 to March 3, this year’s edition highlights the city’s rich artistic landscape while celebrating global creativity.
In a marked return, the Santa Monica Art Bank Acquisition Fund will again take centre stage, championing local talent by partnering with the fair to procure works from Southern California artists featured in the “Focus” section. This initiative underscores Frieze’s dedication to nurturing and promoting artists within the community.
A recent highlight unveiled by Frieze LA is the recognition of textile artist Gary Tyler with its Impact Prize. Wrongfully incarcerated for over four decades, Tyler’s journey from injustice to artistic prowess is a poignant narrative of resilience and creativity. Visitors can anticipate a solo exhibition showcasing Tyler’s intricate quilts, offering glimpses into his experiences and those of his fellow prisoners.
As the countdown to Frieze Los Angeles commences, details emerge about the event’s diverse offerings. With ninety-five exhibitors slated to participate, the fair promises an immersive exploration of contemporary art across various mediums and perspectives. Noteworthy features include “Set Seen,” a dynamic public exhibition curated by the Art Production Fund, showcasing site-specific works by acclaimed artists such as Sharif Farrag and Cynthia Talmadge.
Moreover, the Focus section, curated by Essence Harden of the California African American Museum, will spotlight emerging talents exploring themes of “ecologies” within intimate, environmental, and urban contexts. Complementing the artistic offerings, pop-up restaurants curated by Regarding Her (RE: Her) and a live performance by Sudan Archives at the Hammer Museum add to the vibrant cultural tapestry of the event.
With Frieze Los Angeles poised to captivate audiences again, its relocation to the Santa Monica Airport opens doors to new possibilities and connections with L.A.’s westside neighbourhoods. Supported by global lead partner Deutsche Bank, the fair remains a beacon of artistic excellence and community engagement, embodying the spirit of creativity that defines the City of Angels.
SOLO AND THEMED PRESENTATIONS
Frieze Los Angeles features a strong lineup of world-class galleries exhibiting ambitious solo and curated stands. Highlights include: In celebration of the gallery’s thirtieth anniversary, Blum honours the past and looks to the future with a presentation including Theodora Allen, Sam Durant, Oliver Lee Jackson, Friedrich Kunath, Tony Lewis, Eddie Martinez, Yoshitomo Nara, Asuka Anastacia Ogawa, Sebastian Silva (Blum) New work by Claudio Parmiggiani from his ongoing ‘Delocazione’ series, composed of panels marked with the traces of fire, reflecting the artist’s singular position in post-war Italian art history in line with the tenets of Arte Povera (Bortolami) A solo presentation by Geoffrey Holder focusing on a distinct series of works in which the artist painted night-time dance hall scenes (James Fuentes) ‘Social Abstraction,’ an exploration of abstraction and contemporary social realities curated by Antwaun Sargent and featuring an intergenerational group of Black artists: Derrick Adams, Theaster Gates, Cy Gavin, A solo show of paintings by Kim Sung Yoon employing classical technique and stylism in an era dominated by digital images (Gallery Hyundai) Blessing Ngobeni’s first solo presentation in L.A. comprised paintings confronting issues of power and abuse in South Africa’s socio-political system (Jenkins Johnson Gallery). A solo booth of new still-life and portrait oil paintings by MacArthur Fellow Jordan Casteel, informed by the artist’s pastoral surroundings in Upstate New York (Casey Kaplan) A solo booth by Vanessa German featuring a new series of sculptures in rose quartz (Kasmin)New paintings by Sam McKinniss, known for his irreverent portraiture of American celebrity culture (David Kordansky Gallery) A survey of artist and musician Terry Allen’s work over six decades, timed to the artist’s two concerts with his Panhandle Mystery Band during Frieze Week at the Masonic Lodge in Hollywood Forever Cemetery (L.A. Louver) A solo presentation of new paintings by Hernan Bas (Victoria Miro) Paintings and installations by Cosima von Bonin, including a nautical sculpture from the artist’s series WHAT IF THEY BARK?, previously exhibited on the High Line in New York and the 2022 Venice Biennale (Petzel) A solo booth by Allison Schulnik, including new oil on linen works and ceramic objects revealing the artist’s internal reflections after relocating to the Mojave Desert (The Pit) A solo presentation of paintings by Sojourner Truth Parsons, who incorporates flora and fauna, bodies and the city around her into canvases that refer to personal yet fictional moments (Esther Schipper) A dual presentation of Filipino-American artists: Jenifer K. Wofford’s paintings capturing the opulent camp of California’s Madonna Inn, shown alongside Stephanie Syjuco’s recontextualization of archival images from the now defunct Manila Chronicle (Silverlens) A new site-specific work by Barbara Kruger, alongside women artists who have long explored the power of media, text and consumerism—and often female roles within them—including Sylvie Fleury, Jenny Holzer, Louise Lawler and Rosemarie Trockel (Sprüth Magers) New paintings and monotypes by Brazilian artist Luiz Zerbini convey the immersive and seductive quality of Brazil’s natural environment (Stephen Friedman Gallery) New works by Debra Cartwright, whose practice explores the relationship between the black female body and American medical history, mining Cartwright’s position as the daughter of a gynaecologist (Welancora Gallery) The debut of new paintings by Joe Bradley, shown alongside works by Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Noah Davis, Dana Schutz and more (David Zwirner) Baert Gallery, Focus, Frieze Los Angeles 2023 Photo by Casey Kelbaugh/CKA. Courtesy of Casey Kelbaugh and Frieze. Frieze Los Angeles 2024 at Santa Monica Airport
FOCUS, YOUNG GALLERIES PLATFORM
Led for the first time by Essence Harden (Visual Arts Curator and Program Manager, California African American Museum), Focus comprises 12 young US-based galleries showing solo stands by emerging or overlooked talent. The featured presentations explore ecologies’ intimate, environmental and urban dimensions in response to a brief set by Harden. With most participating spaces based in L.A., Focus is a celebration of the city’s vibrant and evolving art community. Stone Island sponsors focus. Highlights include: A solo presentation of work by the late Nisenan Native American artist Harry Fonseca. Fonseca’s Coyote series sees the artist employ the traditional Coyote figure as an avatar to explore the intricacies of his personal and Indigenous identity (Babst Gallery) The debut of a series of ebony glazed ceramic portraits by LA-basedL.A. sculptor Mustafa Ali Clayton, shown alongside a new terracotta series drawing on the artist’s interest in legacy, iconography, and commemoration (Dominique Gallery) On show for the first time are textile works by Akea Brionne. Working from her archive of family photographs, Brionne uses a digital loom to weave diaristic tapestries that chart her ancestral history, everyday experience and Black identity (Lyles & King) ‘Freemartins,’ a new body of work by sculptor Yeni Mao, comprises five steel sculptures incorporating ceramic, animal skin, and volcanic rock exhibited atop the soil. The presentation builds on the artist’s exploration of the tunnels underneath Mexicali, once inhabited by Chinese and Chinese-Mexican populations at the beginning of the 20th century, during the time of the Mexican Revolution (Make Room) Photographs and video work by Los Angeles-based Haitian artist Widline Cadet draw from the artist’s personal history to examine race, memory, immigration, and Haitian cultural identity within the U.S. The presentation, a precursor to her 2024 exhibition at the gallery, builds on her 2021 Artist-in-Residence at the Studio Museum in Harlem and a subsequent solo show at MoMA PS1 (Shulamit Nazarian) A new body of work by painter and sculptor Javier Ramirez, whose practice explores the gardening practices of Japanese and Latino workers who have shaped Los Angeles’s cityscape and suburban sprawl. Ramirez monumentalizes these undervalued labour communities by positioning his sculptures on pedestals that recall bonsai display, while his box-like presentations are modelled on Catholic shrines in Latinx households (Sow & Tailor)
FRIEZE MUSIC IN COLLABORATION WITH BMW & HAMMER MUSEUM
Frieze Music returns to Los Angeles with a live performance from Sudan Archives at the Hammer Museum on Thursday, February 29, from 7:30-10 pm. With previous iterations in London, Los Angeles and Seoul, the longstanding collaboration between Frieze and BMW celebrates the intersection of contemporary art and music, staging special performances by acclaimed musicians to coincide with Frieze’s fairs. As Sudan Archives, Brittney Parks has combined left-field strains of R&B, hip-hop, and experimental electronic music with hypnotic string loops and the fiddling style of West Africa, as heard on her critically acclaimed album Natural Brown Prom Queen (2022).
POP-UPS FROM WOMEN-OWNED LOS ANGELES RESTAURANTS, CURATED BY RE: HER
Frieze Los Angeles will host pop-ups from a selection of Los Angeles-based restaurants curated by the acclaimed nonprofit Regarding Her (RE: Her). Participants include 1010 Wine, Botanica, Clementine, Kismet Rotisserie, Milkfarm, Otus Thai Kitchen, SOCALO, Sushi by Scratch Restaurants and more. The official catering partner for this year’s fair, RE: Her, is a national nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the growth of women entrepreneurs and leaders in food and beverage. Regarding Her provides up-to-the-minute education, community, and transformative financial resources with a vision for women to create an industry where they and future generations can thrive.
Breguet presents ‘Inhabiting Time,’ a new exhibition curated by Somi Sim featuring Gordon Matta-Clark and the People’s Architecture Office (POA). The concluding chapter of Breguet’s year-long collaboration with Somi Sim brings together the renowned artist and celebrated collective, who have closely explored the relationship between space and time through the prism of architecture. Matta-Clark’s Clock Shower (1973) – video documentation of a performance in which the artist washed, shaved and brushed his teeth while suspending his body from a clock tower in the heart of New York – will dialogue with Time Pieces (2024), a dynamic new commission by POA where time is framed as a flow of encounters involving images, bodies and gazes. These artworks will coexist in the Breguet with timepieces from the brand’s current collection, including a rare pocket watch.
POIRET presents Oui Grow, a project by Laure Prouvost. Acclaimed artist Laure Prouvost partners with artisanal beauty brand POIRET. For Oui Grow, the artist’s social initiative fostering the growth of plants in inner cities and deprived areas, Prouvost envisions a flower shop within the POIRET beauty lounge, enlivened by daily operatic performances encouraging plants and people to thrive. Guests will be able to view Prouvost’s film Monteverdi ici (2018) within a cocoon-like viewing dome and purchase plants and a series of 100 hand-painted works Prouvost created specifically for Frieze Los Angeles, with all proceeds going to Oui Grow.
Maison Ruinart Maison Ruinart has believed in the power of art to transform, connect, and enlighten cultural experiences since its inception in 1729. For its 2024 Carte Blanche, Ruinart invites six global artists into a universal creative dialogue titled Conversations with Nature, including a renowned Californian artist who will be proudly unveiled at Frieze Los Angeles. Two captivating installations will debut in a bespoke Ruinart lounge for visitors to immerse themselves amongst limited-edition art pieces, ignite discourse, and foster connections with the environment that epitomize Ruinart’s dedication to nature. Guests at the lounge can also enjoy unique culinary pairings curated by Chef Jordan Kahn of Destroyer LA while previewing this year’s artist collaboration.
Maestro Dobel Tequila presents ‘Oaxaca: A Lens on Tradition & Innovation’ The third iteration of Maestro Dobel’s Apothecary platform, at the direction of Alejandra Martinez and alongside Oaxaca-based artists Marissa Naval and Javier Reyes, honours the region’s cultural heritage and craftsmanship. The Artpothecary lounge will also see Maestro Dobel unveil its latest collaboration with Francisco ‘El Maestro’ Toledo, the legendary late Oaxacan artist: a scarce Extra-Añejo tequila collection featuring art by the Maestro. Finished in mezcal barrels emblematic of Oaxaca, this distinctive and numbered series pays tribute to Toledo’s profound connection with the state.
Illycaffè introduces the new Illy Art Collection by Lee Ufan Illycaffè, inviting visitors to discover the latest instalment of its Art Collection, which sees iconic artists transform the surface of Illy’s signature cups. Featuring a single bold brushstroke, Lee Ufan’s collection conveys the artist’s idea of the encounter: the moment in time and space when the brush meets the canvas.
Frieze Los Angeles 2024, February 29th – March 3rd, Santa Monica Airport @friezeofficial
Colateral Events During Frieze LA 2024
Felix L.A.
Felix L.A., renowned for its distinctive approach to the art fair experience, announces the participation of over 66 galleries for its highly anticipated 2024 edition. With a focus on redefining the conventional art fair milieu, Felix L.A. offers patrons an immersive and curated environment that diverges from the typical commercial atmosphere. Established by visionaries Dean Valentine, Mills Morán, and Al Morán, Felix L.A. returns to the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel from February 28 to March 3, promising attendees an unparalleled blend of eclectic artistry, emerging talent, and a relaxed ambience befitting the tranquil Southern California climate. Coinciding with Frieze L.A. at the Santa Monica Airport, Felix L.A. beckons art enthusiasts to embrace its unique allure and ambience. The iconic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel’s lobby and bedrooms will serve as unconventional exhibition spaces, featuring a captivating array of paintings and sculptures that promise to captivate and inspire. In its commitment to fostering a vibrant and immersive artistic experience, Felix L.A. invites visitors to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery within the storied walls of the Roosevelt Hotel. With its distinct atmosphere and a curated selection of galleries, Felix L.A. remains a beacon of innovation in the contemporary art landscape.
Felix L.A. returns to the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel from February 28 to March 3
SPRING/BREAK Art Show Los Angeles 2024
5880 Adams Blvd, Culver City Arts District February 27 – March 3, 2024
A contemporary art fair utilising abandoned spaces. Like a museum show. But like A Contemporary Art Fair. SPRING/BREAK art Show is an internationally recognised exhibition platform using underused, atypical, and historic LA spaces to activate and challenge the traditional cultural landscape of the art market, typically but not exclusively during Frieze Week LA week.
RECOMMENDED MUSEUMS
The Broad
LACMA – Resnick Pavilion
MOCA
Craft Contemporary
The Getty Center
Hammer Museum (UCLA)
Vincent Price Art Museum
Autry Museum
Japanese American National Museum
What’s On in LA: February 2024
Explore the Vibrant Art Scene of Los Angeles with These Must-See Exhibitions during Frieze Week
1. The Pit: Paul McCarthy and Benjamin Weissman Exhibition
Witness the convergence of artistry and innovation as The Pit’s largest room hosts celebrated artists Paul McCarthy and Benjamin Weissman. This exhibition marks the gallery’s foray into collaboration with established and historical figures, promising an immersive experience of creativity and expression.
Exhibition Dates: February 24th – April 6th, 2024
2. Blum Gallery: Thirty Years – Written with a Splash of Blood
Delve into the rich tapestry of Japanese contemporary art at the Blum Gallery’s monumental exhibition, curated by gallerist Tim Blum and art historian Mika Yoshitake. Commemorating three decades of artistic evolution, this showcase offers a captivating journey through Japan’s cultural landscape from the mid-20th century to the present.
Exhibition Closing: March 3rd, 2024
3. Fowler Museum at UCLA: I Will Meet You Yet Again – Contemporary Sikh Art
Experience the resilience and creativity of the Sikh community through a compelling collection of contemporary artworks at the Fowler Museum. Reflecting on themes of struggle, home, and longing, this exhibition pays homage to the enduring spirit of Sikh heritage and identity.
Exhibition Ends: May 26th, 2024
4. Getty Center: Blood – Medieval/Modern
Embark on a visual exploration of blood’s significance across centuries at the Getty Center’s groundbreaking exhibition. From Medieval depictions to contemporary interpretations, witness the interplay between art, history, and human experience in this thought-provoking showcase.
Exhibition Concludes: May 19th, 2024
5. Getty Center: Mercedes Dorame – Woshaa’axre Yaang’aro (Looking Back)
Immerse yourself in the luminous sculptures of Los Angeles-based artist Mercedes Dorame as she celebrates the heritage of the Tongva people. Through her evocative installations, Dorame invites audiences to rediscover the profound connections between culture, land, and identity.
Exhibition Closes: August 11th, 2024
6. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): Dining with the Sultan – The Fine Art of Feasting
Journey through the sumptuous world of Islamic cuisine at LACMA’s captivating exhibition. Explore the cultural significance of food and dining in Islamic art and tradition, from lavishly adorned vessels to historic manuscripts.
Exhibition Ends: August 4th, 20247. Institute of Contemporary Art: Scratching at the Moon
Discover the diverse voices of Asian American artists in this groundbreaking exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art. Explore the intersections of identity, community, and artistic expression in contemporary Los Angeles through various mediums and perspectives.
Exhibition Concludes: May 12th, 2024
Other Exhibitions:
David Kordansky Gallery Los Angeles
Sam Gilliam
Sam Gilliam: The Last Five Years
January 13 – March 3, 2024
Hauser & Wirth
Tuesday, February 27
FRIEZE PARTY: ‘Catherine Goodman’, ‘RETROaction Part 2’ & ‘Jason Rhoades’
Celebrating the opening of Catherine Goodman. New Works’, ‘RETROaction (part two)’ and ‘Jason Rhoades. DRIVE’.
901 East 3rd Street, Los Angeles,
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Made On Market Street – 7 MARCH–1 JUNE 2024
456 North Camden Drive Los Angeles
Made on Market Street; the first exhibition focused exclusively on works that Jean-Michel Basquiat produced in Los Angeles. Curated by Fred Hoffman the exhibition will be on view from March 7 to June 1, 2024.
Los Angeles offers a vibrant tapestry of artistic experiences, from immersive installations to thought-provoking retrospectives. Don’t miss the chance to explore these remarkable exhibitions shaping the city’s cultural landscape.