In spite of the wildfires ravaging the city last month, the Los Angeles art community retained its resilience. And the sixth edition of Frieze Los Angeles offered essential evidence of this fact.
From February 20 to February 23, 2025, Frieze celebrated LA’s extraordinary art scene all while highlighting essential rebuilding efforts currently underway. Over 100 galleries from around the world gathered at Santa Monica Airport for the event, creating an atmosphere charged with energy, as if to reignite the artistry for which the city is known.
This solidarity and enthusiasm were underscored by a variety of events and initiatives, especially “Galleries Together.” Spearheaded by Victoria Miro Gallery, the curated group presentation invited exhibitors and artists across the fair to contribute works, with proceeds of sales directly benefiting the L.A. Arts Community Fire Relief Fund. Significant sales include Liza Lou’s work on paper, Sunday Afternoon, for $25,000; a ceramic work by Shin Murata and Takashi Murakami for $12,000; and Rebecca Campbell’s painting Salmon River Gold for $8,500; among others.
Several gallerists in attendance also remarked upon the palpable sense of optimism and unity that pervaded Frieze LA. “This year’s edition of the fair was an especially important platform for the artists and galleries based here in Los Angeles,” David Kordansky said. “It was a galvanizing moment for the city as we look to rebuild.”
Angela Brazda, the director of White Cube Gallery, arrived at a similar conclusion: “Frieze provided an incredible opportunity for the international art world to unite in support of Los Angeles’s vibrant art community.”
The Frieze Art Alliance served as an additional platform through which LA’s art scene could be bolstered. The initiative, launched as part of this year’s Frieze LA festivities, united major collecting institutions across the U.S. in an effort to support the city’s galleries and creative networks through active acquisitions. The California African American Museum, for example, purchased two works by Darrel Ellis from the LA-based Hannah Hoffman Gallery.
“Frieze Los Angeles was a resounding success. Collectors and institutions engaged with real intent,” Christine Messineo, Frieze’s director of Americas, said. “In the face of recent challenges, the global art community has recognized the vital role of investing in the creative economy.”
As with previous editions, Frieze LA yet again exemplified the diverse range of contemporary art from around the world. While attending the fair, My Modern Met encountered artists such as Daniel Crews Chubb, a London-based painter specializing in abstract compositions; Sydney Cain, whose contemplative work plays with texture and form; Ambera Wellmann, a Canadian painter interested in movement, play, and violence; and Chris Burden, whose large-scale installation Nomadic Folly recalled a nomad’s tent.
To stay updated on My Modern Met’s on-the-floor coverage of Frieze LA and future events, be sure to follow us on Instagram.
This year’s edition of Frieze LA celebrated the city’s extraordinary art scene all while uplifting essential rebuilding efforts currently underway.
The renowned art fair featured over 100 galleries around the world, highlighting the tremendous diversity of contemporary art.
In response to LA’s devastating wildfires, the fair also prioritized initiatives to redistribute aid, such as “Galleries Together.”
While attending Frieze LA, My Modern Met encountered several remarkable and innovative artists.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
