Frieze New York Returns with a More Intimate Yet Impactful Exhibition

In previous years, attending Frieze New York meant navigating a sprawling tent on Randall’s Island, where alongside exceptional art, visitors contended with unpredictable weather that sometimes threatened to disrupt the exhibits. The expansive setup offered sweeping views of Manhattan but also carried the risk of storms that could flood the fair or gusts of wind that might lift the tent.

Now in its fifth year at the Shed in Hudson Yards, Frieze New York has settled into a more controlled and compact environment. Although the fair features fewer galleries—67 compared to nearly 200 in 2019—it presents a more focused experience with less distraction. In a landscape crowded with art fairs, Frieze maintains a distinctive profile by showcasing works that are bold and challenging alongside blue-chip pieces reminiscent of prestigious fairs and the innovative spirit seen in local galleries. For visitors seeking a global art journey without leaving Manhattan, Frieze offers a compelling snapshot. Below are a selection of booths that exemplify the enduring power and diversity of contemporary art.

Victoria Miro (Booth A8)

London-based gallery Victoria Miro features a group of outspoken artists unafraid to confront social and cultural issues. Leading the presentation is Grayson Perry, the Turner Prize-winning potter and author known for challenging conventions through his cross-dressing persona and provocative works. Among the pieces on display is a tapestry titled “Fascist Swing” (2021), which reinterprets Fragonard’s playful Rococo imagery, alongside large ceramic vessels inscribed with contentious slogans such as “Free Speech is Hate Speech.” The booth also includes figurative paintings by powerful female artists like Alice Neel and Paula Rego, reinforcing the gallery’s commitment to bold, thought-provoking art.

Jenkins Johnson Gallery (Booth B18)

Located on the same floor, Jenkins Johnson Gallery, with locations in Brooklyn and San Francisco, offers a vibrant display of works by Esther Mahlangu, a celebrated artist from South Africa’s Ndebele community. Mahlangu’s abstract geometric paintings, created using a chicken-feather brush, evoke styles reminiscent of European modernists. However, these works are deeply rooted in her cultural heritage, embodying community values and spiritual elements. Her art has previously been featured in major exhibitions such as those at the Pompidou in Paris and Documenta 9 in Kassel, Germany.