Fair  May 8, 2018  Nicole Restaino

Special Projects and Performance Rule at Labyrinthian Frieze New York Art Fair

Photo by Mark Blower. Courtesy of Mark Blower/Frieze.

Raul de Nieves with Erik Zajaceskowski, Company Gallery, Live program, Frieze New York 2018

The seventh annual Frieze New York Art Fair, which ran May 4-6, featured more than 190 galleries, curated awards and special sections, a robust talks schedule, and vibrant performance art. The fair, just one in Frieze’s multinational series that includes both a masters and contemporary edition in London and a new iteration in Los Angeles, was housed in a redesigned, labyrinthian temporary structure that stretched across New York City’s Randall’s Island Park. Frieze’s program presented a breadth of curatorial concepts, with galleries organizing solo artist features, group exhibitions, and thematic booths. The fair also highlighted emerging galleries and 20th century art history vis-a-vis special sections. 

Frieze added several new platforms this year, including  “Live,” a series of activations, performances, and time-based works, curated by Adrienne Edwards of the Whitney. Highlights here included luminary artist Raúl de Nieves in collaboration with Erik Zajaceskowski processing through the fair in de Nieves’ signature dazzling and detailed costumes, which doubled as musical instruments. De Nieves and Zajaceskowski’s work, "THANK YOU/THANK YOU," was presented by Company Gallery. Laura Schnitger's "Suffragette City," for Anton Kern Gallery, was also a highlight. Schnitger led a band of compatriots through the crowded fair aisles. They carried Schnitger-designed banners and sculptural objects, channeling both change and mythos in a ritual worthy of the #metoo moment and the urgency of contemporary feminism. 

Photo by Mark Blower. Courtesy of Frieze/Mark Blower.

Lara Schnitger, "SUFFRAGETTE CITY," Anton Kern, Live program, Frieze New York 2018

Another strong component in this chock full, if nearly overwhelming fair, was the first ever “Frieze Artist Award.” Kapwani Kiwanga won the open call prize, which was also curated by Edwards. Kiwanga’s commission, "Shady," was a brightly colored, interactive site-specific sculpture. Though Frieze’s size and breath at times seem unfocused or sprawling, when the fair adds platforms it does so judiciously, as evidenced by Kiwanga’s work and Edward’s curatorial insight. These initiatives demonstrate Frieze’s greatest strength—its role in artistic and cultural production, alongside traditional art fair gallery display.

Photo by Mark Blower. Courtesy of Mark Blower/Frieze.

Kapwani Kiwanga, Frieze Artist Award supported by Luma Foundation, Frieze New York 2018

About the Author

Nicole Restaino

Nicole Restaino is an arts administrator, project manager, and programs and performance curator. She's trained in Art History and Public Humanities, and has a deep interest in the interpretation, circulation, display, trade and curation of art and cultural production.

Tags

Subscribe to our free e-letter!

Webform

Latest News

Artist Richard Serra, Known for His Monumental Steel Sculpture, Dies at 85
Richard Serra, who was known for his monumental steel structures that…
Dating Discrepancy in Damien Hirst's Formaldehyde Works Rocks Art World
The Guardian has published two reports raising questions about the authenticity…
Jamian Juliano-Villani's Gagosian Show Doesn't Give Easy Answers
Jamian Juliano-Villani's exhibition, 'It,' at Gagosian doesn't give easy…
The Optimization of Banality: Nora Turato’s Everyday Play

In the age of daily affirmations and online self-betterment…