Stellar Club is back ! (almost) Everything about Frieze week London
Everything I saw and loved at Frieze & co
I guess I need a big event like Frieze week to come around to actually sit down and catch up on Substack! The truth is while I was ghosting Substack, I was rethinking whether this was the right direction and what it was that I actually wanted to share and write about. My mind is a big scrapbook of ideas and visions, and sometimes, I feel so overwhelmed that I freeze instead. This summer was so rich in travel, art, and life experiences, but I just didn't feel like sharing too much. Summer always feels more like a private time and social media detox to me.
But I've decided to transcribe my summer experiences in the form of a city guides (Love letter to XYZ) series, which I started earlier this year. So, there is a lot of content coming up in the future but first things first - Frieze week!
Last week was that time of the year again and here is what I saw, thought and loved.I also wanted to include a list of shows that opened last week and are worth seeing, but after inserting the following image overload ( scroll down), I’m near the email length limit. So this will be in another round.
I started the week with a light jet-leg—I just landed back from New York ( but about that later) and went straight into meetings and the preview of the PAD design fair.
PAD is tiny compared to Frieze and of course the focus is on designer furniture and jewels rather than contemporary art but I’ve always loved it ( also lately, I've been really into design). I felt like presentations were a little stronger last year but I still enjoyed this year's edition very much. I thought these sofas from Savvy Interior extremely cool and playful.
I adored pieces at Aequo - a Mumbai-based gallery dedicated to unique contemporary design and Indian craftsmanship.
From jewels, Hemmerle always has the most impressive pieces - each is a true artwork.
Later, I went to check out the pre-sale exhibitions at Christie's. I loved this unique piece by David Hockney and several Magrittes.
On Thursday morning, before finally diving into the Frieze fairs, a friend took me to Cranford Collection, a private collection that also presented a Link room project by wonderful artist Cassi Namoda. The beautiful, vibrant colours and company definitely brightened up the grey London morning.
This year I started mastering Frieze with Frieze Masters and I have to say it was worth it. I loved basically every piece at Hauser & Wirth.
I was most mesmerised by Gagosian's presentation, curated by Urs Fischer. The booth featured sculptures by John Chamberlain and furniture by Marc Newson.
I also adored and wanted to put into my pocket this delicious little Lichtenstein.
On the other side of Regent's Park, Frieze 'Frieze' presented a number of usual names but also several great surprises. Here are some of my favourites:
The only bit that disappointed me this year was Frieze Sculptures. I didn't come across any work that would really capture my attention.
To wrap it up : overall it was a great art week, good energy and a strong edition of both Frieze art fair. Sadly, I won’t be able to make it to Paris for Paris Plus for yet another art marathon, but instead, I’ll be sharing all the great shows that are now on view in London.
x
A.
