Kristell Chade’s guide to
Frieze Week
As Frieze London and Frieze Masters return to Regent’s Park this October – bringing together 290 galleries from 70 countries – the fairs’ executive director shares six standout highlights for 2025
1
THE FRIEZE ARTIST AWARD:
SOPHIA AL-MARIA
This year’s winning commission transforms a section of the tent into a surreal comedy club where Sophia Al-Maria performs daily. Part performance, part provocation, this ambitious commission wields humour to address societal fears and vulnerabilities.
2
ECHOES IN THE PRESENT CURATED BY
DR. JAREH DAS
A standout new section at Frieze London, this thoughtful curatorial project explores the deep connections between artists from Brazil, Africa, and their diasporas. The seven carefully selected presentations look at the intricate relationships between land and
memory across a range of contemporary
practices.
3
REFLECTIONS CURATED BY
ABBY BANGSER
This invitation-only section explores the intersection of art and design, inspired by two of the most iconic collections of objects in the world: Sir John Soane’s Museum (London) and Kettle’s Yard (Cambridge). Look out for AGO Projects’ presentation of contemporary Mexican ceramics and textiles too.
4
FRIEZE SCULPTURE CURATED BY
FATOS ÜSTEK
Uniquely situated throughout the English Gardens in Regent’s Park, Frieze Sculpture showcases outdoor works by 15 artists including Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Reena Saini Kallat, and Elmgreen & Dragset, as well as daily live performances. Visitors can access an audio tour on the Bloomberg Connects app.
5
No 9.
CORK STREET, MAYFAIR
This season, our permanent venue hosts a dialogue between three galleries: Vadehra Art Gallery from New Delhi, Hafez Gallery from Saudi Arabia, and Artwin Gallery, which is showing artists from Central Asia.
6
THIS AUTUMN’S UPCOMING
FATOS ÜSTEK
Every October, Frieze Week is animated by standout institutional exhibitions taking place throughout London. This year, highlights include ‘Kerry James Marshall: The Histories’ at the Royal Academy of Arts and ‘Wayne Thiebaud: American Still Life’ at The Courtauld.
The Annual Art Issue
Next Article – Cox London
Cox London began in the mid-1990s when sculptors Christopher and Nicola Cox discovered a shared fascination with sculpture and the decorative arts. Formalised as a studio in 2005, the company includes artists, engineers, and makers, all dedicated to creating timeless works rooted in slow design and inspired by nature. From their Pimlico Road showroom and London workshop, Cox London continues to redefine the boundaries between art and function.