This year, Frieze New York opens its doors at The Shed on May 1 and 5, gathering galleries from 25 different countries. The event started with high VIP sales at the VIP opening.
With 68 exhibitors in tow, this year’s fair promises to be a vibrant celebration of contemporary art, featuring a mix of local talent and international perspectives. Since 2021, Frieze New York has made its home at The Shed in Midtown Manhattan, providing a more accessible venue compared to its previous location on Randall’s Island. This strategic move ensures that attendees can easily navigate the event without the logistical challenges of previous editions.
Courtesy Brett Beyer
The fair also marks its sign with its acquisition of The Armory Show, which takes place in September. Once again, this year, galleries prioritized newer works over historical pieces, and the 68 galleries exhibiting represent the same total as last year.
This year’s art fair, coming just after the Venice Biennale, unmistakably reflects the significant influence of this major international event on the commercial art world. Artists who participated in Venice presentations, notably many from the Global South, were prominently featured throughout the fair. Alongside them, the usual lineup of well-known artists synonymous with Frieze made a strong showing, driving some of the most noteworthy sales of the event. Collector enthusiasm was palpable across the fairgrounds, with several six-figure transactions being reported.
Highlights and Focus section
Highlights of this year’s event include Rev. Joyce McDonald’s poignant ceramic sculptures, offering a glimpse into the artist’s personal journey of resilience and creativity. Alex Katz’s solo show presents the latest creations from the acclaimed painter, while Sylvie Fleury’s mixed-media works explore the intersection of art, consumerism, and contemporary culture.
In addition to the renowned artists and established galleries, Frieze New York’s Focus section offers a unique opportunity to discover emerging talent and innovative perspectives. Curated to highlight galleries and artists under 12, this section serves as a platform for the next generation of art stars to showcase their creativity and vision.
In the Focus section, attendees can expect to encounter diverse artistic styles and mediums, from traditional paintings and sculptures to cutting-edge installations and multimedia works. This curated space provides a snapshot of the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art, offering glimpses into the future of the art world.
Satellite events of the fair
During Frieze Week, various events and activities will unfold across art venues throughout New York City. These include debuting significant institutional exhibitions, such as Petrit Halilaj’s Roof Garden Commission at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Arlene Shechet: Girl Group at Storm King Art Center, and Mika Tajima: Super Natural at the Hill Art Foundation.
Other noteworthy exhibitions include the 81st edition of the Whitney Biennial, Hiroshige’s 100 Famous Views of Edo (featuring Takashi Murakami) at the Brooklyn Museum, The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism at the Met, Joan Jonas: Good Night Good Morning at MoMA, and Pacita Abad at MoMA PS1.
