Beyond the all-important art, Frieze New York 2023 will be a moment for wardrobe triumphs, polished anecdotes and shameless peacocking, all served with a side portion of prime-cut art world gossip.
But in this tented ecosystem of back-to-back booths, price-less art, and the who’s who of culture that is a Frieze event, it can be hard to know where you stand. Fortunately, the Wallpaper* arts desk has devised a handy personality test so you can identify yourself.
Who are you at Frieze New York 2023?
1. The champagne visualist
You love a nice bit of art, but you’re susceptible to Brain-Frieze (a state of bewilderment owing to excessive art consumption). Luckily, there’s an antidote: Frieze’s pop-up champagne bars, your first and final destination.
Most likely to say… great art, where’s the Ruinart?
Wouldn’t be seen dead talking to… those who think art should be viewed sober
2. The scoop hunter
You'll be visibly armed with a notebook and pen (the Notes app won’t hold the same gravitas), a tote bag pledging magazine allegiance, and a look of furious purpose. For four days, this tent is the front line of the art world. There’s an angle somewhere, and it must be unearthed.
Most likely to say… anything ending with a question mark
Wouldn’t be seen dead talking to… an NFT publicist
3. The selfie seeker
Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the art fair-est of them all? Two things are guaranteed at any art fair: 1) art involving reflective surfaces. 2) visitors photographing themselves in those reflective surfaces. Whether you’re warped, filtered, fragmented or overlaid with text, not only did you visit Frieze New York, you became the art and your Instagram followers need proof.
Most likely to say… your Instagram handle, at an unnecessarily high volume
Wouldn’t be seen dead talking to… those who ‘don’t do social media’
4. The expert navigator
You’ve got a physical fair map in hand and your route forensically planned. Each booth stop is timed (factoring in inevitable social encounters and champagne re-fuels). Everything must be seen; maximum efficiency is imperative.
Wouldn’t be seen dead talking to… anyone who delays the schedule
Most likely to say… as little as possible
5. The sartorial scout
On this unofficial catwalk, you’re just as interested in what people wear as the wares on show. Just be sure to navigate the tote bag politics; the Wallpaper* tote is a safe option (but we would say that).
Wouldn’t be seen dead talking to… anyone wearing the same look
Most likely to say… who are you wearing?
6. The art fair lifer
You’re the most seasoned of fair-goers. 2023 circuit to date? Completed it. You’re operating in every time zone, but still reeling from Seoul-induced jet lag and Frieze London afterparties. The booths are blurring into one and you’re walking around with Kusama dots permanently stained on your retinas.
Wouldn’t be seen dead talking to… anyone quoting prices in GBP
Most likely to say… see you in Basel!
Frieze New York 2023 runs from 17-21 May 2023 at The Shed, New York.
-
Designer Alex Proba teams up with Hoka for a delightfully colourful shoe collabThis maximalist footwear capsule is designed to get dirty
-
Photographer Mohamed Bourouissa reflects on society, community and marginalised communities at MASTMohamed Bourouissa unites his work from the last two decades at Bologna’s Fondazione MAST
-
Behind a carefully composed geometric brick façade, a New Delhi residence rises highAKDA’s design for this New Delhi residence explores new geometries and high densities
-
Alice Adams, Louise Bourgeois, and Eva Hesse delve into art’s ‘uckiness’ at The CourtauldNew exhibition ‘Abstract Erotic’ (until 14 September 2025) sees artists experiment with the grotesque
-
Get lost in Megan Rooney’s abstract, emotional paintingsThe artist finds worlds in yellow and blue at Thaddaeus Ropac London
-
Out of office: the Wallpaper* editors’ picks of the weekIt was a jam-packed week for the Wallpaper* staff, entailing furniture, tech and music launches and lots of good food – from afternoon tea to omakase
-
London calling! Artists celebrate the city at Saatchi YatesLondon has long been an inspiration for both superstar artists and newer talent. Saatchi Yates gathers some of the best
-
Alexandra Metcalf creates an unsettling Victorian world in LondonAlexandra Metcalf turns The Perimeter into a alternate world in exhibition, 'Gaaaaaaasp'
-
Lubaina Himid and Magda Stawarska’s new show at Kettle’s Yard will uncover the missing narratives in everyday life storiesThe artists and partners in life are collaborating on an immersive takeover of Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge, in an exhibition that delves into a lost literary legacy
-
Sexual health since 1987: archival LGBTQIA+ posters on show at Studio VoltaireA look back at how grassroots movements emphasised the need for effective sexual health for the LGBTQIA+ community with a host of playful and informative posters, now part of a London exhibition
-
Ten things to see at London Gallery WeekendAs 125 galleries across London take part from 6-8 June 2025, here are ten things not to miss, from David Hockney’s ‘Love’ series to Kayode Ojo’s look at the superficiality of taste
