I have a theory on art which is this: If something makes you ask if it’s art, it’s art. Because it made you ask the question and think. There are a few exceptions to this rule, for example, putting a fire extinguisher on a wall and saying it’s art, isn’t. It is just lazy.
My first thought on the Frieze was how awful the queues were – luckily being press I bypassed them. The second was irritation at having my bag searched going in and out.
When you are inside, the main thing that strikes you is the sheer size of it.
There are over 1,000 artists and 177 exhibitors from 33 countries. With the right online school your art work could be showcased in art fairs like this one.
It’s an art lovers dream. I walked around the vastness thinking: “Recession? What recession?”
Artists that really stuck out for me where Rashid Rana, Nathalie Djurberg, Elmgreen and Dragset -them of the morgue art – and Karl Holmqvist.
Neon letter art is popular. One even bears the words ‘Who runs this mother?’ taking inspiration from a song by Beyonce. I also loved ‘The Neme Sims’, an extraordinary project by Muntean and Rosenblum for Georg Kargl. The Austrian duo made a grey house with a garden, furniture, and art.
I love art fairs, and the Frieze is one of the biggest there is. Definitely worth going to.
The Frieze was sponsored by Deutsche Bank for the eighth consecutive year. Proves that banks have at least some purpose.
The Frieze runs from 13th to 16th of October every year.