Frieze Los Angeles, the global contemporary art fair, is set to spotlight local galleries and artists from South Central Los Angeles as it returns for its sixth rendition from February 20-23 in Santa Monica. This year’s fair gains particular significance as it unfolds against the backdrop of recent wildfires that devastated parts of the city. With Deutsche Bank as its global lead partner, Frieze L.A. continues its mission to celebrate contemporary art by featuring a diverse range of artistic voices.
Christine Messineo, Frieze’s Director of the Americas, Essence Harden, Frieze’s FOCUS Curator, and Casey Fremont, Director of the Art Production Fund, emphasized the importance of local representation in a press preview at the Getty Center on February 11. In 2019, Frieze introduced its FOCUS section to highlight new galleries, particularly those less than 12 years old. This year, the FOCUS section will exclusively feature L.A.-based artists and galleries.
“FOCUS is really L.A.,” said Harden. “It feels really encouraging and beautiful in this moment that you really need to have that energy.”
One of the featured artists is Brandon D. Landers, a South Central native whose works draw inspiration from his childhood and daily life scenes.
Landers’ art, known for backward text motifs, was previously showcased at the Hammer Museum’s 2020 Made in L.A. exhibition. After years of rejecting gallery representation, Landers will make his FOCUS premiere in a solo booth at Frieze. Ozzie Juarez, another artist from South Central, will present a design mimicking an interactive “swap meet” (open-air market) at the fair, reflecting the pace of urban life.
Juarez credits his work ethic to these vibrant marketplaces.
South Central artists at Frieze
“A lot of people who are coming to the fair are not familiar with South Central L.A.… So I’m bringing a little bit of South Central to Santa Monica,” Juarez said.
This year’s fair is especially poignant as it takes place two weeks after the Eaton fire was finally extinguished. The event aims to showcase not only art but also the resilience and solidarity of the L.A. community. The fair will feature 97 galleries from 20 countries, with 44% based in L.A.
“In the past month, we have witnessed both tragedy and an extraordinary display of solidarity within this community.
This year’s fair stands as a tribute to that spirit,” said Messineo. Frieze has partnered with the J. Paul Getty Trust, which narrowly escaped damage from the Palisades Fire.
Along with other art organizations, they have raised $12 million to provide grants up to $10,000 to artists and arts workers affected by the wildfires. These unrestricted funds can be used for various needs, contingent upon proof of residency, damage, and connection to an L.A. County arts organization. As Los Angeles continues to recover from the wildfires, major art institutions like the Getty and Frieze LA are stepping up to support the community.
This year’s fair not only serves as a platform for contemporary art but also as a testament to the resilience and recovery of the local artistic community. Frieze L.A. is a beacon of hope and celebration for local galleries and artists, especially those from underrepresented communities like South Central Los Angeles. By drawing international attention, the fair underscores the cultural and artistic significance of L.A. in the global contemporary art scene.