WTFrieze? A Weekend Guide to the Fairs
New York had just barely thawed, and now we're in the midst of another Frieze. It's Friday of Frieze Week, which means you’ll have a hard time throwing a stone in NYC without hitting an art fair. There are a lot of mixed feelings about fairs — opponents will say they’re too overtly commercial or hectic to really engage with the plethora of art on display, while proponents will argue they offer a chance to see a lot of great work in one place and build important energy in a city’s art scene. Regardless of the debate, the fairs are happening. You should go if you’re interested, and get down with some art you like. Here's our crash course for New Patrons on a few things happening around town, big and small:
Frieze — the belle of the spring art fair ball that is its eponymous Frieze Week. Originally a London ting, 2014 marks the third appearance of the ever-expanding tent that hosts some of the biggest names in contemporary art. A recent decision to use union labor to produce the show should make for a happier vibe. Pros: work from the big kahunas; stellar food; you can take a boat there Cons: expensive; can be quite sceney and fatigue-inducing + Admission: *buy in advance* $43 // $23 + Hours: May 9 - 11, 11a-7p + Randall’s Island Park (East River) + friezenewyork.com
NADA — the New Art Dealers Alliance was founded as a non-profit to showcase a mix of emerging artists and some who are more easily name-checked. A lot of LES galleries are represented, and a row of small project spaces adds a welcome experimental flavor. Pros: free; sincere approach; good blend of career stages Cons: hard to knock it, they're pretty cool + Admission: Free + Hours: May 9, 2–7p; May 10, 11a–7p; May 11, 11a–5p + Basketball City (299 South St, Pier 36) + newartdealers.org
Cutlog — this hip kid sister started in Paris and is seen by some as the ‘Anti-Frieze’ in its low-key former schoolhouse location on the LES. Now making its second NYC appearance, Cutlog is also delightfully close to Pok Pok Phat Thai, in case you're looking for a bite. Pros: unpretentious; emphasis on emerging art; affordable; a lot of sexy French accents Cons: lighting is not the best + Admission: $15 // $10 + Hours: Today through May 11, 12-6p + 107 Suffolk (at Rivington), LES + cutlogny.org
PULSE — founded in 2005, PULSE is one of the more established satellite fairs and includes early- and mid-career artists with emerging and mid-range galleries. The fair also features a number of non-profit organizations and non-traditional platforms, which we obviously dig.
Pros: established; integrates alternative art channels
Cons: can feel extremely packed + Admission: $20 // $15 + Hours: May 9, 11a–6p; May 10, 11a–8p; May 11, 11a–7p + Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W 18th St, Flatiron + pulse-art.com
DOWNTOWN — the newest kid on the block makes its NYC debut this year, produced by the team behind Art Miami. The fair is a mix of modern and contemporary, so you'll see some emerging + mid-career artists alongside post-war works well established in the secondary market. Pros: brand new! Cons: the secondary market stuff can feel less exciting + Admission: $20 // $15 (free for Frieze VIPs) + Hours: May 9 - 10, 12a–8p; May 11, 12a–6p + 69th Regiment Armory, 68 Lexington (at 25th) + downtownfair.com
SEVEN — spearheaded by Brooklyn's own Pierogi, this collaboration among seven galleries emphasizes art on its own terms in a more intimate setting, and prioritizes viewer engagement ahead of commercial consideration. How friendly is that? NB: this year is about video work. Pros: free; welcoming; manageable; sincere about sharing art Cons: potentially ‘less accessible’ work (but they’ll happily talk to you about it!) + Admission: free + Hours: May 9, 12–9p; May 10–11, 12–6p + The Boiler, 191 N 14th St, Williamsburg + seven-miami.com