Frieze Los Angeles Art Fair Draws Hollywood Power Players and Art World Elites
The Frieze Los Angeles art fair kicked off with a star-studded V.I.P. opening day at the Santa Monica Airport. Hollywood power players and art world elites gathered to view the best works from galleries around the world. This year, the fair had a new design and 20 percent fewer galleries, giving A-listers the space to peruse and schmooze.
The event felt like a family affair, with old friends and Hollywood insiders mingling throughout the day. Will Ferrell and Owen Wilson, incognito in baseball caps, chatted with LACMA director and CEO Michael Govan. Bigwig agents-slash-collectors from Endeavor, CAA, and UTA were also in attendance, swarming together in packs. Ari Emanuel, CEO of Endeavor, greeted guests and checked out paintings and sculptures. Endeavor has a majority stake in Frieze, which also hosts art fairs in London, Seoul, and New York.
Richard Weitz, WME co-chairman, marveled at the mystique of Frieze Los Angeles. He noted that it draws “the who’s who of the art world” and even attracts “looky-loos” who want to be part of the experience. Maria Bell, a producer and writer, expressed her excitement about the fair, stating that it brings people from all over and unites the L.A. art community like nothing else.
The guest list was filled with notable attendees, including Robert Downey Jr., Leonardo DiCaprio, John C. Reilly, Jessica Biel, Tobey Maguire, and many more. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy as everyone immersed themselves in the art on display.
While socializing was a significant part of the day, the main focus for many was the art itself. Bell highlighted the mix of great historical works and brand new pieces by young artists, describing it as “fantastic.” Ryan Murphy, the renowned producer and writer, was spotted intently examining a silver self-portrait bust by artist Isabelle Albuquerque. Albuquerque and her mother, Lita Albuquerque, praised the collaborative atmosphere of Frieze and expressed their excitement about the increased international presence.
Sales were brisk throughout the day, with galleries reporting significant activity. Lehmann Maupin sold 15 works by female artists, including Kim Yun Shin and Liza Lou. Gagosian sold L.A.-based Lauren Halsey’s sculpture to a prominent Los Angeles museum. The fair has become a must-stop destination for galleries with artists based in Los Angeles.
Frieze Los Angeles is not just an art fair; it has become an apex social occasion for high-powered collectors who love and support the arts. It brings together the art world’s finest, allowing them to reconnect and appreciate the art while surrounded by old friends. The fair attracts collectors from all over the world, who also take the opportunity to explore the many art galleries that have timed openings during what has become known as L.A. Art Week.
The first day of Frieze Los Angeles saw several notable sales, including a large-scale Richard Serra drawing at the Gladstone Gallery for $2 million. David Kordansky Gallery sold out their booth of works by Sam McKinniss, and Pt. 2 Gallery sold all their works by painter Muzae Sesay. The fair also featured a new partnership with the California African American Museum, which acquired a ceramic work titled “Natural” by L.A.-based sculptor Mustafa Clayton Ali.
Frieze Los Angeles is open to the public from March 1 to March 3. Alongside Frieze, two other concurrent art fairs, Felix and Spring/Break Art Show, are also running until March 3. With its star-studded opening and impressive sales, Frieze Los Angeles solidifies its position as a must-attend event for art enthusiasts and Hollywood’s elite alike.
