The art world is turning again finally with an intensely packed agenda this fall. Among them were two international art fairs in London and Paris. LARRY’S LIST has chatted with several art collector friends who attended one or both of these major events in the two European art hubs, who shared their favourite artists seen at the fairs, and artworks they have (or have not) snapped up.
John Dodelande
How do you feel about the fair?
I went to FIAC on Saturday, and it was great to see plenty of contemporary art dealers gathered together in one space. I missed the majestic surroundings of the Grand Palais, of course, but that’s all right because it was so good to be at a real-life fair in Paris once again. The booths were quite small, but the spirit of the fair was still much present, very French.
What are your favorite artworks/artists seen at the fair?
One artist in particular caught my eye: Mostafa Sarabi. He grew up in Iran and has lived there his entire life. He paints what he dreams at night, in a style that is sort of naïve, but could also be called art brut. His works struck me as totally genuine, and they are alive with colour. I liked his paintings a lot.
What have you purchased?
My core area of interest is contemporary Chinese art, and the art of the countries of the ancient Silk Road. (That was one of the things that drew me to Sarabi: Iran – or Persia as was – is a pivotal Silk Road country). But there were not many Chinese works at the fair this time, so on this occasion, I didn’t buy anything. That’s normal, though. You go to fairs to get an idea what’s happening out there, to meet people and talk. It’s not always the aim to leave with something new for the collection.
Previous interview with John: His Secret Garden Besides Contemporary Chinese Art
Karen Levy
How do you feel about the fairs?
A lot of energy, and people seemed very happy to meet together during the fairs. It felt great, and I discovered new artists.
What are your favorite artworks/artists seen at the fairs?
I was specially interested by the women artists and
Frieze —
Gisela Colon
Frank Bowling @hauserandwirth
FIAC —
Baselitz @ropac @gagosian
Song Dong @pacegallery
Wang Du @BaronianXippas
What have you purchased?
I’m looking into some works post fairs and some commissioned works.
Barbara and Daniel Newman
How do you feel about the fairs?
We enjoyed a soulful edition of frieze with a focus we thought on the most pressing issues of our times. There were some exciting discoveries and a feeling of normalcy and optimism.
FIAC feels like a dynamic energy pulling people again to Paris as a European hub. It is quite a renaissance moment. The City of Lights with its fairs, outstanding institutional exhibitions and galleries is alive and exciting to be a part of in this moment. FIAC, well done!
What are your favorite artworks/artists seen at the fairs?
Frieze — Firelei Báez, Deborah Roberts, Issy Wood, Maria Berrío, Louise Giovannelli, Andrew Pierre Hart, Jesse Darling, Sung Tieu, and Rene Matić at Frieze London. Also, the Nigerian modern artist Obiora Udechukwu at Frieze Masters among several discoveries.
FIAC — Paul Rego’s and Chantal Joffe’s presentations with the theme of storytelling were striking. Hantai and Ontani were real gems while Nina Childress’ and Cecilia Granara’s works were discoveries. Other favourite works were Marinella Senatore in the “Hors Les Murs” (translated: Outside the Wall) presentation in the Tuileries Garden and Rashid Johnson’s installation in one of the satellite initiatives.
What have you purchased?
Frieze — I would have bought a work by Issy Wood but I was not the only one.
FIAC — A triptych by Chantal Joffe and a large abstract painting by Luc Ming Yan.
Previous interview with Barbara and Daniel: Home Is Where the Art Is
Shalini Passi
How do you feel about the fairs?
Frieze was an astounding experience. The energy of the fair is truly remarkable, especially after a long pause seen in global art events. It was beautifully curated and put together by various international galleries including the exclusive talks, studio visits and shows that run in parallel. Frieze Masters truly set a tone apart this year; the selection was quite phenomenal and included Damien Hirst’s work titled “Considered, Stubbed Out, Forgotten (1993)”
FIAC was a relatively compact affair. There are museum shows and exhibits curated across Paris, which adds to the excitement and charm.
What are your favorite artworks/artists seen at the fairs?
My favorite work at Frieze was a stoneware, metal and raffia sculpture by Simone Leigh from the Village Series, represented by Hauser & Wirth.
One of my favourite artwork from FIAC was a 40 set bronze sculpture by William Kentridge, represented by Galerie Marian Goodman.
What have you purchased?
Both art fairs are certainly utopic for art collectors. I am currently in talks with a few galleries regarding purchase of artworks that struck a chord with me.
It was an overwhelming experience to be in the international art fairs, amongst some great artists, art collectors, and art enthusiasts alike — conclusively an intellectual heaven.
Previous interview with Shalini: Would You Expect Flemish Furniture at This Indian Art Powerhouse – next to a Bharti Kher!
By Ricko Leung
