Revamping Frieze London: A Bold New Layout and Curatorial Vision

Frieze London 2023
Frieze London 2023. Photo by Zarastro Art

Frieze London is aiming for a more nuanced approach this year, focusing on dynamic visitor interaction and a fluid exhibition experience through a new layout. The fair will feature more young galleries and offer artists greater opportunities to present their work directly to the public, moving beyond traditional gallery constraints.

Frieze London will unveil a groundbreaking new layout designed by A Studio Between. Frieze Masters, showcasing six millennia of art, will feature an expanded Studio section and a refined floor plan.

The updated layout and entrance are crafted to highlight curated sections. Visitors will first encounter two stands, each dedicated to exceptional solo artist presentations, ensuring heightened visibility for emerging voices.

The redesigned space enhances the flow between galleries, optimizing exhibition areas and fostering an engaging atmosphere. The new entrance design incorporates large windows that invite natural light and offer views of the surrounding park, encouraging meaningful interactions among artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts.

Additionally, there is a growing focus on visitor ergonomics, with new seating areas, dining options, and improved accessibility features. The exhibition aims to provide comfort for all, including individuals with disabilities.

When it comes to curatorial approach, Frieze London has also a lot to offer. Especially, after receiving widespread praise, “Artist-to-Artist” is a central part of the fair’s artist-focused program. This year, six solo presentations have been chosen by internationally renowned artists. All of the nominators are known for their support of diverse voices, which aligns with the section’s goal of building connections across Frieze’s global network.

The new themed section, “Smoke,” will feature ceramic works that explore Indigenous histories. It will showcase leading international artists who integrate pre-colonial traditions into contemporary clay practices, highlighting ceramics as a profound form of modern art. By presenting ceramics in both traditional and innovative ways, the exhibition will prompt reflection on nature and the quest for authenticity. The use of “smoke” in the creation process will offer a provocative representation of nature.

“Focus” complements local galleries and international exhibitors, spanning five continents. Frieze’s long-standing section dedicated to fostering a community of young galleries is advised this year by Joumana Asseily (Founder, Marfa), Piotr Drewko (Founder, Wschód), and Cédric Fauq (Chief Curator, CAPC musée d’art contemporain, Bordeaux).

Once again, during Frieze week in October, London will become a hub for contemporary art, demonstrating its commitment to encouraging curators and artists to enhance collector experiences and continue focusing on new voices.

The Groucho Club | London

Groucho Club Under Investigation, Doors Closed

The Groucho Club in London, a Soho private members club known for its star-studded history and hedonistic reputation, has been temporarily closed as police investigate a “serious crime” allegedly linked to a breach of its licensing conditions. Since its establishment in 1985, the Groucho Club has stood as a bold departure from traditional gentlemen’s clubs.

Read more »
Lygia Clark | Rede de Elásticos - Elastic Net (1973) | Whitechapel Gallery

Lygia Clark and Sonia Boyce at the Whitechapel Gallery: Play, Participation, and Cultural Dialogue

Lygia Clark: The I and the You and Sonia Boyce: An Awkward Relation at the Whitechapel Gallery embrace the ethos of collective engagement by exploring how participatory art transforms the relationship between artist, audience, and artwork. This bold curatorial pairing highlights shared themes of touch and play while bridging two distinct cultural and historical contexts.

Read more »
Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum | It Will End in Tears | Barbican

Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum at the Barbican: Exploring Colonialism and Identity through Cinematic Storytelling

It Will End in Tears at the Barbican presents a hauntingly immersive journey framed by minimalist “film sets” reminiscent of noir cinema. With influences from Hitchcock to Bessie Head, Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum’s visual storytelling delves into the complexities of identity, colonial legacies, and self-determination. Collaborating with set designer Remco Osório Lobato, Sunstrum creates minimalist, skeletal film

Read more »
Be the First
to Know
Sign up to receive the latest art world news and insights, updates about our artists and exhibitions, and
much more.

Contact us

Fill in the form below to inquire about this artwork.

Join our newsletter and grab your free copy of Best Exhibitions Around the World in 2025.

Plus, continue to stay updated on the contemporary art world through a weekly digest of headlines and our own new articles!