29.08.2012

Time certainly flies: Frieze art fair celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. I still recall the first edition in 2003 with just over 100 galleries, the fair was humble and fairly small and no one was expecting miracles. Today the fair counts more than 170 galleries from 34 countries, artist projects, discussions a live magazine that will be produced throughout the fair. This year's Emdash Award winner Céclie B Evans will offer visitors an alternative audio guide to the fair, featuring a panel of non-experts who will describe works in their own way. Frieze Project will include a program of food related performances by Grizedale Arts, housed in a structure by the Yangiang group.
 
The real surprise this year is the very ambitious Frieze Masters. Hosted in a temporary structure by Annabelle Seldorf, this is actually Frieze strength: cool and chic and …non-existing tents basically! The objective of the fair is to present art from ancient to modern, to challenge notions of who is a "Master" and to look at the whole history. The other interesting idea is how galleries are thinking of presenting historical works: in a contemporary context. Galleries that never exhibited in the UK, such as Aquavella, will present a 20th century modern "Masters" show. And also: Andy Warhol drawings at Daniel Blau; an exhibition of works by post-war Japanese movement Mono-Ha at Blum & Poe; never seen before photographs by William Eggleston at Victoria Miro; early Italian Renaissance paintings at Fabrizio Moretti; Old Master paintings and drawings from various schools and periods (from 16th-19th century) alongside 20th C photography at Colnaghi; Medieval art at Sam Fogg; Diane Arbus photographs at Tim Taylor; Bruce Nauman at Sperone Westwater.
 
The Talks program will also be very challenging: contemporary artists will talk with museum directors and curators to discuss how historical work inform our current practice. Cecily Brown will talk with Nicholas Penny from the National Gallery, London, Luc Tuymans will talk with Dominique de Font-Réaulx from the Louvre, Paris, and Glenn Brown will talk with Bice Curiger from the Kunsthaus Zurich.

Ancient Romans used to say 'Memento Audere Semper'. No one like Frieze does it better.

Veronica Martini

Aerial shot Courtesy of Frieze

Victoria Siddall, Director of Frieze Masters Photograph by Linda Nylind Courtesy of Linda Nylind/ Frieze