Frieze New York is known for its curated selection of galleries, highlighting both established and emerging artists. The fair also features special sections, talks, and performances, making it a vibrant platform for art enthusiasts, collectors, and curators to engage with contemporary art.

In Art News14 Minutes

Frieze New York Art Fairs 12th edition at The Shed showcased over 65 contemporary art galleries, attracting attention as a major cultural happening in New York City and providing a global platform for established and emerging artists and galleries.

Introduction to Frieze New York Art Fair 12th Edition

The 12th edition of Frieze New York Art Fair, held at The Shed, welcomed a remarkable attendance of 25,000 visitors from 66 countries, making it a truly international affair. The fair was expertly led by fair director Christine Messineo, who curated a dynamic showcase of over 65 contemporary art galleries, each contributing to the rich tapestry of artistic expression at the event. This edition of Frieze New York stood out as a pivotal cultural event in the bustling spring art calendar of New York City, setting the stage for a diverse array of artistic dialogues and experiences.

One of the standout features of the 12th edition of Frieze New York was the inclusion of the Focus sector, where established blue-chip dealers seamlessly coexisted with emerging galleries, offering a multifaceted view of the contemporary art landscape. Galleries like Madragoa and artist Sara Chang Yan graced this sector, presenting innovative artworks that pushed boundaries and sparked conversations among visitors. The fair’s selection process emphasized the unique contributions of each gallery, creating a cohesive yet diverse environment that celebrated both established and emerging talents.

Event Highlights

The 12th edition of Frieze New York at The Shed attracted a diverse array of galleries from 25 countries, underlining the global reach and inclusive nature of the art showcased. This international representation not only enriched the cultural tapestry of the event but also provided a platform for artists and galleries to connect on a worldwide scale, fostering creative dialogues and collaborations. For example, galleries like Madragoa and artist Sara Chang Yan brought unique perspectives and artistic voices to the fair, contributing to its vibrant and eclectic atmosphere.

Moreover, the event’s commitment to fostering a dynamic art ecosystem was evident through its special projects, thought-provoking talks, and the dedicated Frame section for young galleries. By providing a space for emerging talents to shine alongside established names, Frieze New York created an environment where creativity knows no bounds and where new artistic trends can flourish. The fair’s emphasis on innovation and inclusivity not only sets it apart as a major cultural happening in New York City but also solidifies its position as a global leader in the contemporary art scene, attracting art enthusiasts and professionals from around the world.

Participating Galleries

The 12th edition of Frieze New York hosted a diverse array of contemporary art galleries, totaling over 65 participants from 25 countries, showcasing an eclectic mix of established and emerging talent. Among these galleries, Madragoa and artist Sara Chang Yan stood out by presenting fresh perspectives and thought-provoking artworks, capturing the attention of visitors and art enthusiasts alike. Madragoa’s solo presentation was awarded the prestigious Focus Stand Prize, underscoring the exceptional quality and innovation brought by the participating galleries in this sector.

Furthermore, the Focus sector at Frieze New York successfully bridged the gap between established blue-chip dealers and emerging galleries, creating a dynamic and inclusive environment for art exploration. By featuring galleries like Madragoa that challenge traditional norms and push artistic boundaries, the fair provided a platform for engaging dialogues and new artistic discoveries for attendees. The careful curation process, overseen by fair director Christine Messineo, ensured that each gallery’s selection added value to the overall narrative of the event, highlighting the best of contemporary art in a vibrant and immersive setting.

Notable Exhibitors and Artists

The 12th edition of Frieze New York at The Shed brought together a diverse array of artists and galleries, showcasing a fusion of established names and emerging talent. Among the highlighted artists were Ghada Amer and Christine Sun Kim, both revered for their thought-provoking and impactful works that challenge conventional artistic boundaries [6]. For instance, Ghada Amer’s intricate embroidery pieces juxtapose themes of femininity, sexuality, and cultural identity, while Christine Sun Kim’s multimedia installations explore the nuances of sound and communication, offering a unique sensorial experience for viewers.

Moreover, the presence of avant-garde artists such as Kembra Pfahler and Sara Chang Yan added a layer of cultural significance and artistic diversity to Frieze New York. Kembra Pfahler, known for her provocative performances, brought a raw and unapologetic energy to the fair, pushing the boundaries of conventional artistry. On the other hand, Sara Chang Yan’s innovative approach to art, blending traditional techniques with contemporary themes, captivated audiences and underscored the event’s commitment to showcasing groundbreaking talent. These artists not only enriched the cultural tapestry of the fair but also engaged attendees in profound dialogues about art’s evolving landscape and its societal impact.

Special Sections and Projects

Frieze New York’s special section, Frame, not only served as a platform to showcase emerging talents and innovative artworks but also played a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and collaboration among young artists. By providing a dedicated space for these artists to exhibit their work, Frame actively contributed to the diversity and inclusivity of the art fair, enriching the overall experience for visitors and participants alike. For instance, galleries like Madragoa and artist Sara Chang Yan, featured in Frame, brought a fresh and dynamic perspective to Frieze New York’s 12th edition, captivating audiences with their cutting-edge creations.

In addition to the physical exhibitions, Frieze New York curated interactive projects like Sharif Farrag’s Gotham Grinders at Rockefeller Center, offering visitors a hands-on and immersive art encounter. These projects not only added a layer of engagement and interactivity to the fair but also provided a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with the artworks on a deeper level. By integrating such interactive elements, Frieze New York aimed to make contemporary art more accessible and engaging to a diverse audience, further solidifying its position as a pioneering cultural event in New York City. Furthermore, the Frieze Week Magazine New York 2024, with its in-depth coverage and analyses of the art scene during Frieze Week, acted as a valuable resource for art enthusiasts, collectors, and scholars, offering a comprehensive understanding of the diverse range of artworks and artists featured at the fair.

What Sold at Frieze

Sales at Frieze New York’s 12th edition were a vibrant reflection of the diverse artistic offerings present.

For instance, a notable sale included a large-scale sculpture by a rising contemporary artist that garnered significant attention and praise from collectors and art enthusiasts alike.

Such transactions not only signify the economic vitality of the art fair but also shed light on emerging talents that are making waves in the art world.

Moreover, the auction of a series of paintings by an established gallery at Frieze New York showcased the continued relevance and demand for traditional art forms alongside more experimental contemporary pieces.

This blend of classic and avant-garde artistry underscores the fair’s commitment to representing a wide spectrum of artistic expressions.

The sales data not only quantifies the commercial success of the event but also serves as a barometer of the current trends and interests within the contemporary art landscape, offering a glimpse into the ever-evolving narratives and dialogues that shape the art world.

White Cube’s Top Sales:

Hauser & Wirth’s Top Sales:

Thaddaeus Ropac’s Top Sales:

  • Tony Cragg’s stainless steel artwork for €725,000
  • Daniel Richter’s painting for €420,000
  • Martha Jungwirth’s works ranging from €60,000 to €350,000
  • Joan Snyder’s painting for $130,000
  • Alex Katz’s artwork for $125,000
  • Robert Longo’s work for $90,000

303 Gallery’s Top Sales:

  • Rodney Graham’s painting for $175,000
  • Two Doug Aitken lightboxes for $150,000 each
  • Two Jeppe Hein sculptures for €85,000 each
  • Alicja Kwade’s sculpture for €85,000
  • Two Rob Pruitt paintings for $80,000 each
  • Casi Namoda’s painting for $65,000
  • Sue Williams’s painting for $115,000
Pace Gallery:

  • Joint presentation of new paintings by Robert Mangold and sculptures by Arlene Shechet sold out by the second day.
  • Mangold’s works sold for $350,000–$450,000 each.
  • Shechet’s works sold for $90,000–$120,000 each.
  • Samantha Rubell, the gallery’s president, noted continued interest from collectors despite a soft market.

Kukje Gallery:

  • Sold out its booth of paper collage works by Haegue Yang for €27,000–€42,000 ($28,885–$44,932) apiece.
  • Presentation of Yang’s “Mesmerizing Mesh” paper collage works received enthusiastic responses from collectors and institutions.
  • First time the series had been shown in North America.

Mendes Wood DM:

  • Sold out its presentation of works by Varda Caivano, Pol Taburet, Rosana Paulino, and Antonio Obá.
  • Gallery director Audrey Rose Smith met wonderful new collectors from New York and afar.

Tif Sigfrids (Focus section):

  • Sold out paintings by artist Hasani Sahlehe for $15,000–$20,000 each.
  • Georgia Museum of Art acquired Sahlehe’s painting Trying Green (2024) with the support of Frieze Focus’s official partner, Stone Island.
Gagosian:

  • Sold all four of Sterling Ruby’s paintings from his “TURBINE” series.

Perrotin:

  • Sold all featured paintings and sculptures by Lee Bae, as well as works by Thilo Heinzmann, Paola Pivi, and Daniel Arsham.
  • Works were sold for prices ranging from $40,000–$125,000.

Gallery Hyundai:

  • Sold more than 10 pieces from its solo presentation of Seung-Taek Lee for $35,000–$100,000 each.

Sprüth Magers and Karma International:

  • Sold two multimedia works priced at €65,000 ($70,000) each, and a print for €25,000 ($26,000), from their joint presentation of works by Sylvie Fleury.

Tina Kim Gallery:

  • Sold works by Pacita Abad, Davide Balliano, Suki Seokyeong Kang, Maia Ruth Lee, and Minouk Lim for prices in the range of $20,000–$80,000.

Stephen Friedman Gallery:

  • Placed all of the wall-based works in its solo booth by British artist Holly Hendry for £6,500–£15,000 ($8,100–$18,800) each.
  • Selected as one of Artsy’s best booths from the fair.

Casey Kaplan:

  • Sold works by Kaveri Raina for $10,000–$42,000 apiece to both new and existing gallery clients.

David Lewis:

  • Sold paintings by Trey Abdella, Carly Burnell, Lisa Jo, and Leah Ke Yi Zheng for prices in the range of $18,000–$65,000.

Kapp Kapp:

  • Placed 12 of 15 presented works from its solo presentation of photographs by Stanley Stellar for $8,500 each.

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