Frieze Art Fair to launch new section for young galleries in 2012

Frieze Art Fair to launch new section for young galleries in 2012

25 May, 2012
by: Spoonfed Arts Team

Bigger, bigger, bigger...

Frieze have today announced details for the 2012 edition, their tenth art fair in London. Taking place as usual in Regent's Park this October, Frieze is set to feature a brand new section. First introduced at Frieze New York, 'Focus' is only for galleries established after 2001, showing up to three artists.

With the world, and London in particular, currently witnessing a proliferation of new art fairs, 'Focus' enables the Frieze behemoth to broaden its appeal – to collectors, galleries and the art-loving public. One wonders how London's other fairs – SUNDAY, London Art Fair and the yet-to-launch Art13 in particular – will respond. It may also be seen as a response to criticisms that the 2011 edition in particular was too safe.

Perhaps a little confusingly, Focus will be in addition to Frame, an existing section of the fair dedicated to galleries less than six years old and showing only solo presentations. Frame is supported by fashion brand COS.

Of course, the really big news for London in 2012 was announced this time last year: the launch of Frieze Masters. Taking place at the same time as the main Frieze and in the same place – Regent's Park – Frieze Masters will focus on art produced before 2000 and including antiquities.  96 participating galleries have been announced today, with 75 dealers in the main section and a further 22 in 'Spotlight', a section dedicated to solo presentations of twentieth century artists. London dealers include Thomas Dane, Alan Cristea and Helly Nahmad as well as galleries better known for the contemporary offerings, like Gagosian, Lisson and Victoria Miro.

The new Fashion Week? Read our report on the media coverage of Frieze 2011.

Return to Spoonfed's London Art homepage.
Click here to see all London exhibitions.

Spoonfed Arts Team