London is currently abuzz with artistic energy as Frieze descends upon the city, marking the arrival of two major art showcases in Regent's Park. Frieze London presents a contemporary art extravaganza, featuring both established and emerging galleries, while Frieze Masters delves into a rich tapestry of art history, from ancient relics to modern masterworks. This comprehensive guide, crafted with the discerning art enthusiast in mind, offers a strategic approach to experiencing the best of this expansive art week.
Unveiling London's Artistic Tapestry: Your Essential Frieze Week Companion
Navigating the Heart of the Art World: Key Exhibitions at Frieze London and Frieze Masters
To optimize your visit and avoid overwhelming exhaustion, a thoughtful review of the complete program for Frieze London and Frieze Masters is highly recommended. Among the highlights at Frieze London, be sure to explore Ajamu X's latest photographic works at Amanda Wilkinson and Sadie Coles HQ's impressive collection, which includes a towering sculpture by Alex Da Corte and pieces by Tau Lewis and Karimah Ashadu. The paintings of Sam Lipp and Maren Karlson at Soft Opening, along with a captivating work by Hannah Quinlan and Rosie Hastings at Arcadia Missa, are also not to be missed. Within the Tiffany & Co.-sponsored Artist-to-Artist section, a special emphasis is placed on Jota Mombaça's presentation, a selection by Otobong Nkanga. The Focus section, dedicated to up-and-coming galleries, features notable displays such as Okiki Akinfe's solo booth at Ginny on Frederick, Amanda Moström's unique goatskin-adorned objects at Rose Easton, and Benjamin Lallier's introspective installation at Heidi. Additionally, Ryan Huggins's intriguing reconstruction of a "porno booth" from a German cinema at a.Squire offers a distinct experience. Don't overlook the gender-neutral public restrooms, reimagined this year by Gray Wielebinski into an immersive olfactory experience. For those drawn to historical depth, Frieze Masters, as highlighted by British Vogue's Daniel Rodgers, promises a journey through millennia of art, offering everything from early Rubens to a dinosaur skull and exquisite wooden cabinetry. Beauty and wellness director Funmi Fetto eagerly anticipates Emanuela Tarizzo's curation, particularly a Paula Rego painting at Piano Nobile and a captivating talk by Grayson Perry.
Exploring Art Beyond the Main Venues: A Guide to Satellite Fairs and Off-Site Exhibitions
Broaden your artistic horizons beyond the primary Frieze tents by exploring a variety of satellite events. Olivia Allen, British Vogue's fashion writer, suggests venturing into the wider London art scene, with numerous shows offering enriching experiences. Frieze's permanent venue, No 9 Cork Street in Mayfair, will host exhibitions featuring Jordan Nassar's intricate Palestinian tatreez embroidery, presented by the Third Line, and Robin F. Williams's paintings and works on paper, showcased by P.P.O.W. A weekend photography exhibition, curated by Brandei Estes of the National Portrait Gallery in collaboration with Mr & Mrs Smith, will display works by artists like Tina Barney and Kalpesh Lathigra, exploring the influence of individual perspectives on our perception of place. The ICA's Frieze film program includes Yuyan Wang's thought-provoking film "Boring Billion," a montage of found footage exploring robotic deep-dreams of biological agency, currently featured in a church crypt in Shoreditch as part of her debut solo show at Emalin.
Discovering Diverse Artistic Showcases: The Alternative Fairs
Beyond the primary Frieze events, a collection of other compelling art fairs awaits. Minor Attractions, for instance, transforms the Newman hotel in Fitzrovia with over 70 international galleries. The boutique London Invitational, held at the Chancery Rosewood, offers a refined selection of galleries including London's Vardaxoglou and Mexico City's Lomex. For a focused exploration of art from Africa and its global diaspora, 1-54 at Somerset House is the essential destination. Laura Hawkins, British Vogue's fashion and jewelry editor, highlights PAD as a must-visit for its diverse array of global design galleries and displays from renowned high jewelers such as Hemmerle, Nikos Koulis, and Buccellati, with special mentions for London-based designers Fernando Jorge and Glenn Spiro.
Essential Cultural Experiences: Must-See Exhibitions Across Central London
Central London offers a wealth of captivating exhibitions during this period. The Mount Street Neighborhood Arts Festival will host breakfast talks, a Hauser & Wirth Publishers pop-up, and an ephemeral studio by photographer Miles Aldridge, who will be offering his "15 Minutes of Fame" Polaroid portrait project to the public. Institutions across London are also unveiling significant new shows, including Tarek Ataoui's transformation of Tate Modern's Turbine Hall, Justin Caguiat's anticipated solo exhibition at Serpentine South Gallery, Robert Ryman's profound Barbican exhibition, and Issy Wood's prominent showcase at the National Portrait Gallery. The British Museum will also feature the iconic Bayeux Tapestry.
Journeying East: A Glimpse into East London's Vibrant Art Scene
East London's art landscape is equally vibrant and diverse. St Chads Projects will feature a film installation by Mark Leckey and a sculpture by Nicole Wermers across its two King's Cross locations. Nearby, in Angel, "The Soothsayer's Chorus," curated by Beth Greenacre and Bettina Prentice, presents an impactful intergenerational exhibition of women artists whose work explores intuition, ancestral memory, and speculative futures, including Ana Mendieta, Judy Chicago, Veronica Ryan, and Clementine Keith-Roach. Sung Tieu's patinated marble mosaics, displayed at Emalin's new Helmet Row space, are a visual marvel. Additionally, 1014 Gallery's exhibition of Vincent Wechselberger's handprints, chronicling a decade of hedonism and tenderness in Berlin, offers a compelling reason for a detour to Dalston. Olivia Allen particularly recommends the second rotation of Ana Viktoria Dzinic's solo show at Nicoletti in Shoreditch and a visit to Neven Gallery to see Adam Lewis Jacob's intriguing reconfigurations of "greying marabou slippers" into emblems of faded glamour.
Unwinding After a Day of Art: London's Finest Martini and Dining Spots
When you've absorbed your fill of art, London provides ample opportunities to relax and indulge. Within the Frieze tents, Maison François offers a delightful retreat with burrata, champagne, and lively conversation on its terrace, while Funmi Fetto prefers the tranquility of Jikoni. For those visiting the Serpentine, The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental Knightsbridge provides a sophisticated izakaya experience, with a 20% discount for Frieze pass holders. The Emory's rooftop bar, boasting panoramic city views, offers a more discreet setting for Argentinian-inspired cocktails, evoking the ambiance of a luxurious superyacht. For those seeking perfect martinis after browsing PAD, Brutes of Mayfair is a prime choice, while Bar Finch and Dorothy's are ideal for celebrity spotting and leisurely aperitivos in W1. For a more substantial culinary experience, Mount St. Restaurant, owned by Artfarm, features a menu inspired by "A Cookbook for Iwan," a collection of recipes from the Hauser & Wirth art family, offering unique dishes like suggestive Paul McCarthy cruets and stilton martinis amidst Auerbach landscapes. If you find yourself on the Strand for 1-54, Salman Toor's debut at the Courtauld, or Jenkin van Zyl's exhibition at Somerset House, Toklas remains a perennial favorite. Nearby, the new St. Clement hosts Bobbi's Bar, which will feature a chic residency by Il Pellicano during Frieze week. In Farringdon, Sessions Arts Club showcases Özgur Kar's skeletal animations and drawings. For a consistent comfort, Olivia Allen frequents Vesper, an ideal spot for raw tuna, scallion pancakes, and dirty Negronis while enjoying some prime people-watching.
