Robust sales and a top-notch roster of galleries, artists and collectors have made Frieze New York an essential event on the global art fair calendar since its inception in 2012. Ahead of the 2018 edition (3-6 May), Wallpaper* invited New York-based art advisor Vasili Kaliman to pick out the artists to watch at Randall’s Island – plus which satellite events are worth the trek during Frieze Week, and where to refuel in the city. Originally from Australia, Kaliman was a gallerist in Sydney and Melbourne, presenting more than 250 exhibitions of contemporary art over 15 years. He now spends all his time viewing exhibitions, visiting artist’s studios, and attending art fairs throughout the world. Follow Kaliman on Instagram to see the art finds from his travels, and on Twitter where he shares the latest news and developments in the global art market.
Torbjørn Rødland at David Kordansky Gallery
Dry Faucet no. 3, 2016 – 2018, by Torbjørn Rødland, chromogenic print. Photography: Lee Thompson. Courtesy of David Kordansky Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles gallery David Kordansky is presenting new photographs by Norwegian-born, LA-based Torbjørn Rødland (b 1970). At first glance, Rødland’s images have the crispness and veneer of commercial photography, but gaze through the surface to discover the otherwordly logic beneath.
Tiril Hasselknippe at Magenta Plains
Balcony (ribbevegg), 2018, by Tiril Hasselknippe, cast concrete. Courtesy of Magenta Plains, New York
Included in an all female, three-person presentation at Magenta Plains, New York and Oslo-based artist Tiril Hasselknippe (b 1984) makes sculptures which exude the ambience of post-apocalyptic, ecological ruins. A young artist to watch, Hasselknippe is also included in the current New Museum’s 2018 Triennale, ‘Songs of Sabotage’, on view at 235 Bowery through 27 May.
Barbara Bloom at David Lewis
Vanity, 2017, by Barbara Bloom, vanity mirror and lighting, mirrored vanity table, photograph etched small vanity mirror, digital archival photograph, and movie scripts. Courtesy of the artist and David Lewis, New York
David Lewis, one of New York’s most rigorous gallerists, is presenting a show by conceptual artist Barbara Bloom (b 1951). Known for her practice centering on photography and installation, Bloom’s work is a seductive, beautifully constructed, visual world. Her sculptures are like detective novels, offering viewers clues and compelling them to form a narrative.
Dike Blair at Karma
Untitled, 2018, by Dike Blair, oil on wooden panel. Courtesy of Karma, New York
New York gallery Karma is presenting a show of intimate-scale oil paintings by Dike Blair (b 1952), curated by White Columns director Matthew Higgs. Painted via snapshots of arranged subject matter, Blair’s lovingly crafted images are tinged with consumerist Americana and hints of melancholia.
Chris Martin at Anton Kern Gallery
Untitled, 2017-2018, by Chris Martin, acrylic, oil, collage, sequins and glitter on canvas. Courtesy of Anton Kern Gallery, New York
A feature-piece in the Anton Kern Gallery booth and bound to be one of the largest works at Frieze, there aren’t many painters who can orchestrate works of immense scale as masterfully as Chris Martin. Lush and alchemical, these are abstract paintings that one needs to experience firsthand with eyes, mind and body, and allow their cosmic power to wash over you.
The best satellite exhibitions and events during Frieze New York
TEFAF New York Spring
A high-end fair focused on modern and contemporary art and design, held in the glorious Park Avenue Armory. This year’s fair features 90 of the world’s most illustrious dealers, offering museum-quality works of art and design, often with eye-watering prices to match. This is where you’ll see the ‘best of the best’ in terms of quality. Not to be missed.
TEFAF New York Spring runs 4-8 May; 643 Park Avenue, Upper East Side, New York, NY 10065
The Roof Garden Commission at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Born in Pakistan and based in New York, Huma Bhabha’s outstanding sci-fi inspired installation of totemic alien invaders is best viewed late in the afternoon and aided by one of the museum’s themed cocktails.
‘Huma Bhabha: We Come in Peace’ is on view until 28 October; 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028
The Judd Foundation
Formerly Donald Judd’s private living and working space in Soho, book in a 90-minute guided visit to this sanctuary and experience the artist’s extraordinary, holistic vision of art and life.
101 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012
Where to eat and drink during Frieze New York
The Roof at Public Hotel
Take the elevator to the 18th floor for jaw-dropping views and sunset camparis on the outdoor terrace at this New York hotel by hotelier genius Ian Schrager. An ideal location to unwind in the early evening after checking out the downtown gallery scene on the Lower East Side and Chinatown.
215 Chrystie Street, New York, NY 10002; Tel: 1.212 735 6000
Kiki’s
One of my favourite locals, serving delicious Greek food in the heart of Chinatown. Be prepared to wait, but once you’re seated in the relaxing and often-packed interior, order the saganaki and spanakopita to whet your appetite, and then lamb frikasse and Mama’s oven-roasted chickens. Hard to find, as they’ve kept the previous Chinese signage, so look carefully. §
130 Division Street, New York, NY 10002; Tel: 1.646 882 7052