Frieze Week 2019
From fairs, pop-up shops, and exhibitions taking place across the capital, here are a selection of our highlights
Frieze London
3 - 6 October, Regents Park, London, NW1 4LL
The blockbuster Frieze London returns to its home in Regents Park from 3-6 October, presenting international contemporary art from thirty-six countries. In addition to the fair itself, the expansive curated programme includes ‘Frieze Talks’, a series of discussions and lectures inspired by the centenary of the Bauhaus, the ‘Frieze Live’ performance programme, and a themed section titled ‘Woven’, which highlights eight artists who address indigenous weaving and textile techniques in their practice. The Frieze Artist Award 2019 was won by Himali Singh Soin. Her film commission we are opposite like that (2019) will be screened each day.
Frieze Masters
3 - 6 October, Regents Park, London, NW1 4HA
A fifteen-minute walk away from Frieze London (take the scenic route through Frieze Sculpture Park curated by Yorkshire Sculpture Park’s Clare Lilley) is Frieze Masters, which focuses on art from the ancient era, via the Old Masters, up to the late 20 th century. In addition to presentations from 130 galleries, the ‘Frieze Masters Talks’ will host esteemed guests Ai Weiwei, Edmund de Waal, and Michael Craig-Martin, with the ‘Spotlight’ section curated by Laura Hoptman focusing on pioneering New York figures such as Ming Smith, Gordon Parks, and Howardena Pindell.
Pad London Art + Design
30 September - 6 October, Berkeley Square, W1J 6BR
Situated in the centre of Mayfair—an ideal location if you’re planning on paying a visit to the numerous exhibitions opening in the West End this Frieze Week—PAD London is a luxury fair for collectors and visitors interested in art, design, and decorative arts. Despite the addition of 11 new galleries this year, PAD remains boutique in scale, showcasing the crème de la crème of modern design, furniture, antiquities, fine art, and jewellery.
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair
3 - 6 October, Somerset House, London, WC2R 1LA
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, the leading global fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, returns to London for the seventh year. It’s the biggest edition yet, with 45 international galleries from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and North America showcasing the work of 140 artists. In partnership with Somerset House, 1-54 will present the first UK solo exhibition of Mary Sibande. Running until 5 January 2020, I Came Apart at the Seams present a series of her photographic and sculptural works that explore notions of embodiment, the imagination, and post-
colonial identity in South Africa.
The Store x The Vinyl Factory
2 October - 9 December, 180 Strand, London WC2R 1EA
Just down the road from Somerset House is the brutalist building 180 Strand, where a host of different exhibitions and events co-organised by The Vinyl Factory and The Store open this week. OTHER SPACES is a major immersive exhibition from United Visual Artists (UVA), featuring three large- scale installations. Curated by Jefferson Hack, TRANSFORMER: A Rebirth of Wonder is a group show that explores the nature of representation and self-image, with a focus on artists using storytelling, poetics, and ritual, such as Sophia Al-Maria, Jenn Nkiru, Korakrit Arunanondchai, and Doug Aitken.
House of Voltaire
26 September - 21 December, Cork Street Galleries, 31 Cork Street, W1S 3NU
The House of Voltaire is a temporary shop run by the non-profit art and education charity Studio Voltaire in order to raise proceeds for their future programmes. Expect to find limited-edition prints, clothing, homeware, and books, including tablecloths and napkins designed by Linder Sterling, cashmere blankets from Camille Henrot and Charlie Billingham, a candle infused with the scent of Ryan Gander’s hearth, and Cory Arcangel’s eponymous ‘Surfware’ loungewear.
Ron Nagle: Midnight Stroll
20 September - 10 January, The Perimeter, 20 Brownlow Mews, London, WC1N 2LE
Designed to house Alexander V. Petalas’ private collection, The Perimeter is a new exhibition space in a converted mews building in central London. For the inaugural public show, a selection of colourful sculptural and ceramic work made by the influential San Francisco-based artist Ron Nagle will be exhibited alongside key works from Petalas’ collection. With special opening hours over Frieze Week, visitors will also be able to explore the adjoining library, office, and archive spaces within the building.