Frieze, PAD and beyond: highlights from London’s big art week
Anticipation for the 20th anniversary of Frieze London has been building for some time. It stepped up a notch on 20 September when Frieze Sculpture 2023 launched. This showcase of work by the best contemporary sculptors, from Yinka Shonibare’s colourful Materials (SG) IV to Toni Matelli’s arresting Sleepwalker and conversation starting All Power to All People by Hank Willis Thomas (pictured above), is still open this week and beyond (until 29 October) in Regent’s Park. See it now while the weather is still glorious, before delving into the rest of this big week of art that includes Frieze London and Frieze Masters (11-15 October), PAD London (10-15 October) and much more…
Frieze Masters, Regent’s Park
This is the place to find the big-hitting established names of the art world, presented by the most influential galleries. Raising excitement levels is the event organiser’s decision to celebrate its 20th anniversary by inviting eight artists to present solo exhibitions by their chosen up-and-coming names. Tracey Emin has selected fellow Margate artist Vanessa Raw, while Olafur Eliasson introduces visitors to the work of Fabian Knecht, whose poignant work utilises camouflage from members of the Ukrainian resistance.
We are equally excited, though, to see Roman & Williams’s Guild Gallery make its debut at Frieze Masters. Part of the ‘Stand Out’ exhibition that focuses on decorative or functional items, the American brand will explore how the ethos of the British studio pottery movement influenced generations of American and Japanese ceramic masters. frieze.com
Frieze London, Regent’s Park
Want to discover something new? Then step away from the masters and look to ‘Focus’. This spotlight on emerging talents is dedicated to galleries founded within the past 12 years, and is the place to find artists making their first ever appearance at Frieze. We are excited to see the beautiful work of Marija Olšauskaitė presented by PM8 gallery (pictured), as well as Carlos Reyes’s sculptures of reimagined household objects, showcased by Soft Opening. frieze.com
PAD London, Berkeley Square
Melding the world’s of art and design, this fair was founded in 2007 by fourth-generation Parisian antique dealer Patrick Perrin and is dedicated to design, showing pieces from the 20th century to the modern day. There’s so much inspiration to be gleaned from the furniture, lighting and accessories on display, with every stand a gem. However, if you don’t have time to explore every corner, we suggest making a beeline for Carpenters Workshop Gallery, Dimoregallery, Galerie Kreo and Nilufar, where you can see the ‘Noveconi’ chandelier by British lighting designer Joe Armitage – one of the pieces hand-selected by legendary founder Nina Yashar.
Also, don’t leave before stopping in for a moment of calm at Rose Uniacke. The interior designer and curator’s stand offers a glimpse into her unique aesthetic, with vintage pieces by the likes of Jean-Michel Frank, Jacques Adnet, Sergio Camilli and Edgar Brandt displayed against a backdrop of ‘Bottle Green’ from her own paint range. paddesignart.com
Art + Interiors, 11 Savile Row
The brainchild of interior designer Alice Leigh and gallerist Georgie Grandy, this space presented by Alpha Kilo is the place to find British artworks alongside furniture and lighting by some of the best British brands in a more homely setting. Open for six weeks (by appointment) until 20 October, the pop-up showroom houses original works by Emily Crookshank, Fergus Hare and Maria Rose, as well as contemporary pieces by the likes of Lee Broom, Tom Faulkner and Cristopher Farr Cloth. alphakilo.com
Minor Attractions, Soho and London Bridge
Started by London gallerists Jonny Tanna and Jacob Barnes as a ‘non-fair’ – an alternative to the establishment offerings of PAD and Frieze, this multi-venue event will see more than 20 smaller galleries given an opportunity to present work in a slightly different atmosphere. By that, we mean this is where the party’s at. Split across two venues (Minor Attractions on Soho’s Manette Street and Cornershop at Borough Yards near London Bridge), this event is open late, encouraging art fans to view work while having a drink and listening to live DJ sets. The aim is the create conversation about the pieces – and a lot of buzz. minorattractions.com
‘Time Re:imagined’, King’s Cross
Commuters at King’s Cross will this week be treated to the opportunity to step into a unique art installation. Look out for the mirrored cube outside of the train station – a collaboration between whisky brand Glenfiddich and Berlin-based artist Ryoichi Kurokawa. Step inside and you will discover three separate audio and visual installations that each capture a moment in time and seamlessly combine the worlds of experimental art and whisky, taking inspiration from the ‘Time Re:Imagined’ collection of 30, 40 and 50-year old rare, aged Scotch whiskies. The cube will be in place until 15 October, but after that you will have more time to see it at Sweeties at The Standard.
Last chance to see… ‘Crafted Wonder’, Sketch
Launched during London Design Festival, this exhibition at the artistic bar and restaurant is still available to view during this important week for art in the capital. See the entrance area taken over by rug brand La Manufacture Cogolin, which focuses on its collaboration with the prolific Christian Bérard, known for his designs of the 1930s-50s. Also grab a drink in The Glade, which has been decorated by artistic glass brand Lasvit, before nipping to the famous bathroom pods to see an amazing installation of interlocking cubes by Julian Carter Design. sketch.london
