The Artsy Guide to Frieze New York 2014
Now in its third edition, Frieze New York (Frieze London’s American cousin) has become a highly anticipated, annual art event, drawing an international crowd of art world players to the East River’s unassuming Randall’s Island. Between 190+ of the world’s top galleries, seven dynamic site-specific artist projects, a highly esteemed lineup of speakers, and sustenance from New York’s most sought-after restaurateurs, it’s easy to understand why.
1. When? Where? How?
Frieze New York runs from May 9th through 12th, in a snake-shaped tent on New York’s Randall’s Island.
The fair can be reached by ferry, at the 35th Street Ferry Dock on the East River every 20-30 minutes—you must buy tickets in advance here; by bus, from outside the Guggenheim Museum on 5th Avenue between 88th and 89th Streets—you must buy tickets in advance here; or by taxi, on foot, or by bike. Find more details, here.
2. Buy Tickets Now!
Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance; buy them online now, here. A limited number of $10 tickets are available for full-time students and individuals under the age of 25, for Monday, May 12th only. The fair is free for youths under the age of 16.
3. Why Visit?
Frieze New York is a unique contemporary art fair experience with a special commitment to living artists and the most engaging artists working at present. From its bespoke structure to renowned Frieze Projects, the fair is known for its alternative, dynamic take on the art fair experience.
4. Main, Focus, and Frame
While the fair is limited to contemporary art, it’s split further into three sections: a main section with traditional gallery booths, and two additional sections that are more limited in scope. Focus includes galleries that have opened in or after 2003 and have proposed a project specifically for this year’s fair. Frame includes galleries that have been open for under eight years, who will dedicate their booths to solo artist presentations.
5. Frieze Projects
Seven Frieze Projects, specially commissioned works to be included in the fair, have been assigned to seven artists, and will be presented together within Frieze New York. The projects are curated by Cecilia Alemani, curator and director of High Line Art. Artists creating projects for the fair are: Darren Bader, Eduardo Basualdo, Eva Kotátková, Marie Lorenz, Koki Tanaka, and Naama Tsabar.
6. Al’s Grand Hotel
An additional Frieze Project, which is sure to be a highlight at the fair, is Al’s Grand Hotel, a special tribute to Allen Ruppersberg and his landmark 1971 project in Los Angeles at Public Fiction. The fully operational hotel will be restaged on the fair site, with two rooms and a lobby, and select fairgoers will have the opportunity to stay the night; Al’s is now open for bookings, and is presented with support from COS and our friends at Maharam.
7. Frieze Talks
A daily schedule of lectures, panels, and discussions are presented, covering a variety of relevant issues. Highlights include:
Okwui Enwezor in conversation with Jason Moran
Friday, May 9th, 12:00 pm
Nadya Tolokonnikova & Masha Alekhina in conversation with David Remnick
Friday, May 9th, 4:00 pm
Beatrix Ruf in conversation with Helen Marten and Jordan Wolfson
Saturday, May 10th, 12:00 pm
See the full list of talks here.
8. Education
For the 2014 edition of Frieze, the fair has revamped its education programming, targeting school districts in East Harlem and the South Bronx to organize public school visits to the fair. An intensive art program for teens in the Bronx, Teen Project Studio will also be at the fair, this year with a focus on “the use of digital technology to reach new audiences for art.” In addition, workshops will be held for high school students engaged in museum and non-profit arts programs. Learn more, here.
9. Frieze Food
Frieze has become renowned for a variety of fine and informal dining options at the fair site. Frankies Spuntino will offer a full-service restaurant in addition to an outdoor beer garden and grill, and a new brand, Furanku, which will offer a sushi, saki, and juice bar. Additionally, Marlow & Sons will host the VIP Room Restaurant and Café; Mission Cantina will be serving up burritos and chicken wings; Momofuku Milk Bar will offer dessert options; Roberta’s returns with its classic pizza and a bar; fresh coffee and food options will be available from Blue Bottle Coffee, Court Street Grocers, and The Fat Radish; and food trucks from Coolhaus and Red Hook Lobster Pound will also be on site.
10. Frieze Sounds
For the annual Frieze Sounds program, also curated by Cecilia Alemani, three artists are selected and commissioned to create audio works specifically for the fair. This year’s artists are Keren Cytter, Cally Spooner, and Hannah Weinberger. Frieze Sounds can be heard in VIP cars, via a listening station at the fair, and online.
