Pine cones, glitter and a hip-hop head for sale: red-hot artists reveal their Frieze stunners
As the sprawling art jamboree hits London, eight of the most exciting exhibiting artists share what their work means to them – and who they hope will buy it First held in 2003, the Frieze art fair is a giant art supermarket that descends on Regent’s Park, London, every October. Some detest it for its blatant commercialism, others relish it as the opportunity to see a mind-boggling amount of contemporary art in one…
Key points
- The Frieze art fair, first held in 2003, returns to Regent's Park, London, every October.
- Eight British-based artists discuss their work and hopes for buyers at the fair.
- Artists include Kira Freije, Mohammed Z Rahman, Jake Grewal, Alvaro Barrington, Louise Giovanelli, Shaqúelle Whyte, Poppy Jones, and Christina Kimeze.
The Frieze art fair, first held in 2003, is a major contemporary art event that takes place in Regent's Park, London, every October. It draws both criticism for its commercial nature and praise for offering a vast display of contemporary art in one tent. This year, eight British-based artists of the moment shared insights into their work and what they hope for when it sells.
Artists and their practices
Kira Freije creates sculptures using metal and fabrics, describing her wall-based pieces as 'gesture works' that allude to a crowd. Mohammed Z Rahman, a self-taught figurative painter, draws on nursery rhymes and ethnographic texts, and calls his work outsider art. Jake Grewal makes charcoal drawings of anthropomorphic, genderless figures in landscapes, noting a queer undertone. Alvaro Barrington, who grew up in hip-hop culture, paints head portraits and sees his life in four chapters named after figures like Garvey and Malcolm X.
Louise Giovanelli paints to capture fleeting sensory encounters, while Shaqúelle Whyte highlights his Wolverhampton show and upcoming solo at South London Gallery. Poppy Jones works with painting, printmaking, and photography on materials like suede, and Christina Kimeze rejects traditional materials, informed by making art in cramped spaces.
I feel like I let it go on its own journey, which I leave to other people.
— Poppy Jones
Hopes for buyers and sales
Several artists expressed wishes for their work's future. Jake Grewal said he would love someone he admires to buy his drawing, mentioning Anohni. Alvaro Barrington hopes someone will love to live with his painting. Louise Giovanelli trusts her gallery to place her work with a knowledgeable collector who might loan it to museums. Shaqúelle Whyte emphasized that works should be looked after and appreciated, preferably by an institution that won't flip them. Poppy Jones said she lets her work go on its own journey, leaving its fate to others.
