We asked Future Perfect's David Alhadeff, Whitney curator Rujeko Hockley, collector Komal Shah, and Performa founder RoseLee Goldberg what caught their eye on the opening day
The 11th edition of Frieze New York kicked off at The Shed in Hudson Yards this week with 68 galleries from around the world setting up shop inside the striking Diller Scofidio + Renfro-designed building. On Wednesday morning, throngs of collectors and VIPs formed a long queue outside the space, eagerly hoping to get a first look at the offerings. Busier than ever, the fair inside was abuzz with energy as New Yorkers entered their second stretch of art and design fairs (TEFAF, Independent, and Future Fair all took place within the previous seven days, extending what was once New York’s May art week into what feels like the entire month).
So how did Frieze New York 2023 set itself apart? Firstly, thanks to its location inside The Shed, which it has occupied since 2021, many exhibitors took the chance to form a dialogue with the city at large, presenting works that had simultaneous exhibitions around Manhattan.
Take, for example, the bicoastal gallerist David Kordansky, who presented a dazzling solo booth by L.A. artist Lauren Halsey, who also transformed the rooftop of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Or Sprüth Magers and Karma International’s joint presentation of Pamela Rosenkranz’s work, which coincides with her recent commission on the nearby High Line Plinth. Overall, there were a mix of exciting new discoveries by emerging artists (some standouts include Emma Prempeh at Tiwani Gallery and Rose Salane’s installation at Chapter NY and Carlos/Ishikawa) as well as deep dives into more historical artists like Carlos Villa, whose work was on view at Silverlens.
“Frieze New York is an international destination,” says Christine Messineo, who was appointed director of Frieze Los Angeles and Frieze New York in November 2021. “This year, the solo presentations at the fair really stand out with work by Jack Whitten (Hauser & Wirth), Nan Goldin (Gagosian), and Mary Lovelace O’Neal (Jenkins Johnson) all a real draw for our visitors on the opening day. The Focus section, for younger galleries, has also proved itself to be a major attraction, with artists such as Mónica Giron (Barro), Sam Lipp (Derosia), and Julia Yerger (Chateau Shatto). I also want to give a special mention to the Artist Plate Project to benefit the Coalition for the Homeless, who saw extraordinary lines on our opening day, with each plate sold feeding 100 hungry people. Their mission could not be more urgent.”
