Frieze Art Fair 2009

Frieze Art Fair 2009

15 October, 2009
by: Tom Jeffreys

Regent's Park is abuzz with money: navy worsted suits, grey flannels, suede, leather, enough cashmere to cloak a kingdom. Big block mirrored letters glint in the autumn sun. A massive gold arch is the statement of intent. It's here again, in capitals as ever: FRIEZE ART FAIR.

If I'm being honest, I find Frieze a bit of a struggle. The problem is that, in these surroundings, the art on show ceases to be the carefully considered work of an artist and becomes instead a commodity that must compete for your attention. Each gallery is not a space for the art, but a branded concession. Last year, I described the whole extravaganza as 'like Selfridges...but for the head-spinningly wealthy'. It's true again, although this year a few students and members of the – gasp – public seem to have wandered in as well.

This is not the place for subtlety. Nor necessarily should it be. But it does make the whole process a tiresome one. To be honest, it's not worth going to Frieze for the art. It's worth going to Frieze to check out what the wealthy art peeps are wearing and to indulge in some priceless eavesdropping. There's a nice spot of one-upmanship amongst a trio of Bottega-sporting lady folk:

'I'm a critic,' begins one.
'I'm the organiser,' trumpets the second. Victory by a length? Not quite. They both turn expectantly to the third among them.
'I'm on the board of directors of the archive,' she drawls, triumphantly, 'so...' So what? So I win? Pretty much, yes.

Someone else bangs on about a collaboration with Hermes, there's something about vibrating one-dimensional energy particles, and a warning: 'Watch out! There's art all over the ruddy floor! Everywhere you look!' Bloody public...

I last a couple of hours and then outside into the fresh air. There's a fence between Frieze and the Regent's Park playground. It's probably to keep the kids out, but God I wish I could join them. I overhear words of great relief from a pretty young arty type: 'Oh, yes! There's no art out here! I can think again. I can breathe again.' Yes, that's Frieze.

Frieze Art Fair is in Regent's Park from 15th to 18th October. Tickets start from £10.
Click here to read our recommendations for Frieze Art Fair - What to See and Do.

Click here to see all London exhibitions.
Click here to see all London art exhibitions.
Click here for things to do in Regent's Park.

Tom Jeffreys