Frieze Los Angeles 2025: A Celebration of Art and Resilience Post-Wildfires

Frieze Los Angeles 2025 opened at Santa Monica Airport, attracting celebrities and artists just weeks after wildfires. With over 95 galleries participating, the event highlighted the resilience of the local art community. Significant sales were recorded, contributing to fire relief efforts, while concurrent events like The Other Art Fair celebrated creativity and solidarity among artists in L.A.

Frieze Los Angeles 2025 opened its gates amid a serene atmosphere, just weeks after devastating wildfires struck Southern California. Housed in the expansive Santa Monica Airport, the fair drew VIPs who mingled and embraced, sharing a collective relief from recent tragedies. Despite some rumors about celebrity attendance cautions, recognizable figures like Gwyneth Paltrow, Oliver Stone, and Katie Couric were spotted enjoying the vibrant art fair, alongside a robust showing of artists dedicated to their craft.

Art notables gathered to champion their peers, including renowned figures like Takashi Murakami, Catherine Opie, and others. Museum leaders, such as LACMA’s Michael Govan and MOCA’s Johanna Burton, actively sought new acquisitions while showing solidarity for the artistic community during difficult times. Director Christine Messineo highlighted the crucial role of art in healing, stating that, “Our institutions, our galleries, our collectors and, most importantly, our artists shape and transform our art world.”

Opening day saw impressive sales across multiple galleries, with exciting highlights like Mariane Ibrahim’s first Frieze presentation and David Kordansky’s solo show both selling out. Jessica Silverman’s booth was a success, featuring striking works that commanded high prices, such as a $170,000 piece by Loie Hollowell. The FOCUS section was thriving too, with significant sales made, including an institutional acquisition by LACMA.

Major sales at the fair were impressive, including a Ruth Asawa painting fetching about $1 million and works by David Zwirner reaching up to $2.8 million. Many galleries, like Victoria Miro, raised funds for fire relief efforts through special presentations. Supportive initiatives reflected a unified stance in response to the fires, showcasing the power of community amid adversity.

Alongside Frieze, The Other Art Fair was also a beacon of hope, bringing together 140 artists to offer an uplifting atmosphere filled with music and creativity. Interactive segments and charity initiatives were highlighted, showing the strength and artistic spirit of Los Angeles.

As the weekend progressed, art enthusiasts flocked to various events, with high expectations for exhibitions like Villa Tigertail and the Felix Art Fair. Each venue added to a rich tapestry of artistic expression, catering to a diverse audience seeking connection and inspiration. With fairs of all sizes across the city, the resilience of L.A.’s creative community shone through, offering solace during challenging times.

Frieze Los Angeles 2025 successfully showcased the resilience of the local art community following recent wildfires, attracting notable celebrities and artists alike. With significant sales across various galleries and events aimed at supporting fire relief, the fair highlighted the importance of art in fostering community spirit. The concurrent art events further emphasized the creative vitality of Los Angeles, offering diverse experiences that cater to art lovers and creators. This moment reaffirms the strength and unity within L.A.’s artistic landscape.

Original Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com