Los Angeles Welcomes Art Fair Season Amidst Recovery Efforts
Each February, Los Angeles transforms into a hub of artistic energy, hosting festivals, exhibitions, and performances. This year, however, the city’s art fair season coincides with the aftermath of the Palisades and Eaton fires, which displaced artists and destroyed studios. Organizers of Frieze, the L.A. Art Show, and the Other Art Fair have adjusted their programming to provide space for reflection, healing, and solidarity within the art community.
Frieze Los Angeles
Feb. 20-23
Santa Monica Airport, 3233 Donald Douglas Loop S., Santa Monica
$10-$202
frieze.com
Frieze L.A. Brings a Global Art Showcase to Santa Monica
Frieze Los Angeles, the flagship event of art week, lands at Santa Monica Airport with works from artists worldwide. The 2023 fair presents a carefully curated selection of over 95 galleries from 20+ countries, a more intimate lineup than last year’s 120. Nearly 40% of the exhibitors have roots in L.A., noted Christine Messineo, Director of Americas at Frieze.
South L.A. artist Lauren Halsey is set to host a pop-up with the community center Summaeverythang. Meanwhile, the late Chris Burden—best known for his iconic street-lamp installation at LACMA—will present a large-scale piece with Gagosian, immersing viewers in plush pillows, braided ropes, and jewel-toned glass. Legendary L.A. artist Betye Saar, renowned for her assemblage work, will unveil a site-specific installation with Roberts Projects.
At the heart of Frieze’s programming are the Focus section, dedicated to rising galleries, and the Impact Prize, which recognizes groundbreaking talent. Curated by Essence Harden—also co-curator of the Hammer Museum’s Made in L.A. biennial—this year’s Focus features solo presentations from 12 galleries, including Bel Ami, Nonaka-Hill, and Make Room. Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez becomes the first street artist to win the Frieze Impact Prize and is unveiling a new sculptural series.
