Frieze Los Angeles kicked off its fifth edition with VIPs streaming into the Santa Monica Airport. Although slightly smaller this year, with about 95 exhibitors compared to the usual 120, the fair buzzed with activity on VIP day and continued to draw crowds on its first day open to the public on Friday.
The event attracted a constellation of prominent figures, from celebrities to collectors to dealers, all converging to witness an array of compelling artwork showcased in the booths. Reports of robust sales added to the excitement.
“This has been our most successful first day at Frieze LA since the fair’s inception,” remarked Marc Payot, President of Hauser & Wirth, in a statement shared with ARTnews.
Armed with a camera, we roamed the fairgrounds to capture the ambiance and enthusiasm permeating through LA’s premier art event.
Artworks fetching prices as high as $2 million found eager buyers, with several galleries highlighting the success of solo presentations.
“This has been our most successful first day at Frieze LA since the fair’s inception,” noted Marc Payot, President of Hauser & Wirth, in a statement conveyed to ARTnews.
Among the notable transactions on the opening day, David Zwirner reported sales encompassing works by Joe Bradley, John McCracken, Steven Shearer, Lisa Yuskavage, Huma Bhabha, Dana Schutz, and Suzan Frecon, valued between $250,000 and $650,000.
Joining the ranks of mega-dealers, Casey Kaplan, Vielmetter, Roberts Projects, and Tina Kim Gallery also celebrated sales exceeding $250,000.
Dominique Gallery proudly announced the placement of all works from its solo presentation by Mustafa Ali Clayton, featuring sculptures priced between $12,000 and $100,000. Kasmin Gallery from New York revealed the sale of ten pieces by Vanessa German on opening day, ranging from $25,000 to $65,000. Notably, German was honored with the Heinz Award for the Arts in 2022.
Hailing from Oakland, California, pt.2 gallery disclosed the placement of all works by Muzae Sesay, although specific sales figures were not disclosed.
