Frieze has come a long way since it was founded as an arts publication back in 1991. A decade on, the very first Frieze London opened doors in 2003, and satellite fairs in New York, Los Angeles and Seoul have since become tentpole moments within the cultural calendar. Returning to Regent’s Park for its 21st edition, the upcoming Frieze London 2024 will boast one of its biggest iterations to date, with more than 160 galleries from 43 countries leading the way, from global heavyweights in Gagosian, Sprüth Magers and David Zwirner, to London’s most influential spaces, including Victoria Miro, Maureen Paley and White Cube.
This year’s fair will also showcase a new floor plan by design practice A Studio Between, increasing visibility to new voices at the entrance, as well adding greater prominence to the Frieze’s curated sections, such as its dedicated Sculpture showcase, Artist-to-Artist and the latest themed section Smoke. “Visitors this year will find the fair reimagined, with solo presentations and emerging artists front and centre, in a demonstration of Frieze’s commitment to the most exciting art being made today,” said Frieze London Director, Eva Langret, in a statement. “Our new layout also features more spots for conversation and exchange. These changes promise fresh experiences and new perspectives.”
Curated by the Hammer Museum’s Pablo José Ramírez, Smoke will focus on ceramic works by an international cast of artists exploring indigenous and diasporic histories. Frieze Masters, which presents art from antiquity till the modern period, will be back in full force, with a number of exciting offerings from 130 galleries from 26 countries, such as Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth and Afridi — with an added emphasis on ancient Asian art this year.
As with all mega fairs today, there will be a rolodex of exhibitions and events orbiting the fair throughout the week. Highlights include Francis Bacon: Human Presence at the National Portrait Gallery, Mire Lee reconfiguring Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall, Hew Locke at the British Museum and Lauren Halsey’s UK solo exhibition debut at Serpentine Galleries.
Frieze London will take place from October 9 to 13. Check out our guide to some of the biggest events and booths during the week. For more information, please visit the fair’s website for tickets and a full list of its 2024 programming.
Mike Kelley and Mire Lee at Tate Modern
Every Frieze Week presents a fresh slate for a new monumental installation at the Tate Modern’s iconic Turbine Hall. Following El Anatsui’s bottle cap assemblage, Korean artist Mire Lee will populate her eerie kinetic sculptures in-and-around the entrance to the museum. The Seoul-based artist is globally recognized for mixing steel, silicone, grease and liquids, resulting in artworks that pulsate and ooze — mirroring the process of life and decay.
—Shawn Ghassemitari
