Highlights from Frieze London Opening

Despite the hype surrounding Paris, dealers claim that London still dominates the European art market as Frieze opens

Amid the spectre of Brexit and stringent Covid-19 measures two years ago, London’s standing as Europe’s art capital seemed under threat from Paris. However, as Frieze London’s 20th edition approaches, art dealers and experts are refuting these concerns, affirming that London remains a formidable player in the global art commerce scene, second only to New York. They argue that comparing cities may be increasingly irrelevant in a globalized art market driven by collector interest.

Art dealer Thaddaeus Ropac underscores that the internationality of the primary art market means that an exhibition’s location no longer defines a city’s market influence. A German artist’s show in London, for instance, can sell out due to collector interest, regardless of the city. Brexit, with its accompanying changes and costs, has posed challenges for older, well-established galleries in London. However, new galleries and enterprising dealers in Bloomsbury are injecting a fresh sense of vitality into the city’s art scene.

While Brexit-related difficulties have necessitated workarounds, some galleries, like London’s Modern Art Gallery, have expanded to other European cities. Additionally, several international galleries and dealers have opened spaces in Paris in recent years, evoking comparisons to the city’s illustrious 1920s art scene. Despite Paris’s resurgence, it has yet to capture a significant market share. According to the Art Basel/UBS Art Market Report, the UK’s market share has grown slightly from 2022, standing at 16%, while France’s market share remains at 8%.

Thaddaeus Ropac emphasizes that while the Parisian Renaissance is a positive development, it does not automatically diminish London’s significance. London still maintains a critical mass of institutions, museums, and artists that have no intention of relocating.

The UK art market, which saw a decline until 2020, has rebounded with a 10% growth in revenue in 2022, supported by strong auction sales. Notably, Magritte’s “L’Empire des Lumières (1961)” fetched $79.7 million at Sotheby’s, setting a new record for the artist’s work.

London’s art market continues to thrive despite the challenges posed by Brexit and the pandemic, while Paris, despite its renaissance, is yet to attain a significant market share. The global nature of the primary art market means that the location of exhibitions is becoming less relevant in determining a city’s market influence. The dynamics of the art world are shifting, with the international character of the primary market taking precedence over location.

Rare Rembrandt Masterpiece Unveiled at Frieze Masters with $30 Million Price Tag

At this year’s Frieze Masters art fair in London, Zurich-based Koetser Gallery is showcasing a remarkable early masterpiece by Rembrandt van Rijn. The restored painting, titled “Blind Tobit with the Return of Tobias and the Archangel Raphael” (ca. 1628-29), is now available for purchase at an asking price of €28 million ($30 million).

Owned by a US-based private collection since 1978, this oil painting recently underwent a meticulous restoration, and this summer, it was featured in the exhibition “Chasing Rembrandt: The Wadsworth’s Quest for a Rembrandt” at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Connecticut. According to dealer David H. Koetser, the painting is now in a “remarkable state of preservation” after the removal of discoloured varnish during the restoration.

Koetser explained their decision to present the painting at Frieze Masters, stating, “Blind Tobit is an early masterpiece by the artist, a wonderfully moving painting, and London is a great market for exhibiting exceptional works of art.”

The painting depicts the biblical narrative of the blind old man Tobit greeting his son Tobias, while Archangel Raphael is seen riding on a donkey, and Tobias’ dog joyfully welcomes him home. Described as “amongst the most important Leiden-period Rembrandts left in private hands” by the Koetser Gallery, there has been some debate over its attribution to Rembrandt. In 1982, the Rembrandt Research Project expressed reservations, and some scholars have suggested Dutch Golden Age painter Gerrit Dou as a possible creator.

However, the gallery argues that the painting is a work by Rembrandt with partial collaboration from Gerrit Dou or subsequent partial completion by Dou after Rembrandt’s departure. It considers this interpretation based on various historical, modern, and contemporary opinions.

Authentic Rembrandt paintings in private collections rarely appear on the market and command substantial prices. Later this year, Sotheby’s will auction Rembrandt’s “The Adoration of the Kings” in London, carrying an estimate of £10 million to £15 million ($12.2 million to $18.4 million). The last Rembrandt to come to auction was the 1632 self-portrait in 2020, which sold for £14.5 million, setting an auction record. The current auction record for Rembrandt stands at €23.2 million, achieved in 2009 for “Portrait of a Man with Arms Akimbo (1658).”

From dreamlike paintings to video game installations, here are the top ten booths at Frieze London in 2023.

As Frieze London marks its 20th anniversary, the art world descended on Regent’s Park for an eclectic showcase of over 160 galleries from 46 countries. This global art fair celebrates Britain’s rich cultural tapestry through collaborations with leading arts organisations and institutions, as well as introducing new “Artist-to-Artist” presentations and extended public programs of cultural events.

Danielle McKinney’s Dreamlike Portraits

New Jersey-based artist Danielle McKinney’s debut in London brings enchanting, cinematic paintings to the forefront. These portray women in moments of leisure and rest, evoking curiosity about their daily lives. Her mastery of composition, colour, and art history references, particularly the influence of Vermeer, make her work stand out. Additionally, McKinney’s venture into watercolour on paper adds a new dimension to her artistic repertoire.

Amid the bustling VIP preview, dealers reported early sales, with excitement surrounding a wide array of art offerings from emerging talents to established artists. Here, we highlight ten of the most captivating works at Frieze London, which continues until October 15.

Cece Philips’ Reflective Interiors

London-based artist Cece Philips captures reflective moments within her paintings. Her interiors echo the emotional depth of Edward Hopper’s work, with individuals engaged in everyday activities within the confines of their homes. Philips experiments with spatial dimensions, employing light to create depth and movement within her compositions.

Van Hanos’ Blend of Classic and Contemporary

Lisson Gallery presents Van Hanos’s series of paintings commissioned for Frieze London. Drawing inspiration from his time as a “voyeur” in Vienna, Hanos combines classical elements with contemporary imagery. His works, such as “Still Life with Polizei,” juxtapose the opulence of a still life against modern surroundings, while “Sex Dolls” weaves antique cherubs with references to strip clubs, offering a unique and engaging visual experience.

Larry Achiampong’s Exploration of Video Games

South London’s Copperfield Gallery stands out with an immersive presentation focused on video games and racial and gender bias. Larry Achiampong’s paintings and video game installations not only engage with the gaming world but also challenge and alter the visual narratives found in computer games, offering a thought-provoking commentary on these widely popular forms of entertainment.

Marguerite Humeau’s Immersive Land Art

Marguerite Humeau’s booth for Clearing delves into her ambitious 160-acre land art project in Colorado’s San Luis Valley. Her sculptures and wall-mounted works explore themes of life, death, knowledge, and mysticism. Humeau’s immersive space invites viewers to reconnect with nature and contemplate our relationship with the world.

Sophie von Hellermann’s Dreamland Tribute

Pilar Corrias’s presentation transports viewers to the iconic Margate amusement park in a project titled “Dreamland.” The paintings, full of vibrancy and excitement, also carry a sense of decay, emphasising the passage of time and change in this once-opulent amusement park.

Ayoung Kim’s Glimpse into the Gig Economy

As part of the “Artist-to-Artist” display, Haegue Yang nominated Ayoung Kim’s video, “Delivery Dancer’s Sphere,” which offers a captivating insight into the gig economy’s impact on individuals and society, particularly in South Korea.

Kevin Beasley’s Romantic Landscape Sculptures

Kevin Beasley’s abstract sculptures, described as “new slabs,” explore the concept of landscapes and shared spaces. His works blend nature and human-made elements in a romantic and visually striking manner.

Leilah Babirye’s Bold Portraits

Leilah Babirye’s solo booth for the Stephen Friedman Gallery features hand-carved sculptures and acrylic paintings that challenge notions of sexuality, human rights, and identity. Her multidisciplinary practice reconstructs everyday materials into compelling objects that address pressing issues.

Deana Lawson and Fred Eversley’s Thought-Provoking Works

David Kordansky’s duo presentation showcases Deana Lawson’s large-format photographs capturing the complexity of individuals and communities in diverse settings. Her work delves into how people occupy space within shifting social and ecological landscapes.

As Frieze London continues to captivate art enthusiasts and collectors, these diverse offerings reflect the vibrancy and creativity of the contemporary art scene, celebrating the fair’s 20th anniversary in style.