The opening day of this year’s Frieze New York, which featured galleries from 26 countries was a roaring success following last year’s scorching fiasco, where many exhibitors were offered a partial refund for their lack of oxygen and fleeing collectors. This edition of Frieze NY was a make or break situation, and it looks like the fair has pulled it off. It also had a lot to live up to after the launch of the glamorous Frieze LA their second US fair, added last February.
The jury of leading international curators awarded the Frieze Stand Prize for an outstanding presentation in any section of the fair to Jenkins Johnson Gallery for its excellent solo presentation of Ming Smith in the JAM (Just Above Midtown) section of the show. Curated by Franklin Sirmans (Director, Pérez Art Museum Miami), JAM pays homage to the pioneering non-profit New York arts organisation Just Above Midtown (JAM) and its founder Linda Goode Bryant.
San Francisco and New York-based gallery Jenkins Johnson’s booth was selected by this year’s Stand Prize jury of leading international curators and directors: Thelma Golden (Director and Chief Curator, The Studio Museum in Harlem), Cathleen Chaffee (Chief Curator, Albright-Knox Art Gallery), and Nancy Spector (Artistic Director and Jennifer and David Stockman (Chief Curator, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum).
Hauser & Wirth also received an honourable mention for their solo presentation of Jenny Holzer in the main section.
Company [New York], awarded outstanding presentation for the Frieze Frame Prize, acknowledging the gallery’s excellent presentation by Jonathan Lyndon Chase in Frieze New York’s Frame section. Featuring ambitious solo shows of new work, by galleries aged ten years or younger, Frame is advised by leading curators Andrew Bonacina (Curator, Hepworth Wakefield) and Laura McLean-Ferris (Curator, Swiss Institute) and brings together some of the most exciting young spaces from across the world.
This year’s Frame Prize jury of emerging international art experts included Aram Moshayedi (Curator, Hammer Museum), Murtaza Vali (Independent Critic and Curator), and Lauren Haynes (Curator, Contemporary Art at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art).
Microscope Gallery (New York) also received an honourable mention for their solo presentation of Takahiko limura. The jurors commented: “We’re thrilled to have given the Frame Stand Prize to the Jonathan Lyndon Chase presentation at Company gallery. Bringing together the representation of marginalised bodies, pop aesthetics, common materials and everyday spaces of commerce and cruising, Chase’s installation of painting, sculpture, and sound stood out amongst a fantastic selection of booths.”
Frieze New York 2019 is open to the public through Sunday 5 May,
This year’s jury of emerging international art experts included Aram Moshayedi (Curator, Hammer Museum), Murtaza Vali (Independent Critic and Curator), and Lauren Haynes (Curator, Contemporary Art at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art).
Besides, the Brooklyn Museum (New York) acquired two significant works, when no softness came (2019) by Diedrick Brackens, and 13 International Dogs by Gala Porras-Kim. Both works will join the Museum’s permanent collection through The LIFEWTR Fund. The LIFEWTR Fund builds on the 15-year tradition of museum acquisition funds at Frieze Art Fairs and deepens the partnership between Frieze and LIFEWTR, a premium water brand committed to supporting and advancing the careers of emerging artists.
More to report over the weekend check back