A-List Celebrities and Art World Elites Flock to Frieze Los Angeles Art Fair
The V.I.P. opening day of the Frieze Los Angeles art fair felt like a family affair as Hollywood power players and art world elites met and mingled to view the best works from galleries around the world. Held at the Santa Monica Airport for the second year running, the all-day event on Thursday, Feb. 29, felt breezier this year, as a new design and 20 percent fewer galleries gave A-listers the space to peruse and schmooze.
One couldn’t go two feet without shaking hands with an old friend or coming upon a clutch of Hollywood insiders. Old pals Will Ferrell, Owen Wilson and Luke Wilson — the first two movie star incognito in baseball caps — chatted with LACMA director and CEO Michael Govan in front of one booth, while bigwig agents-slash-collectors from Endeavor, CAA, and UTA were out in force, swarming together in packs. Ari Emanuel, CEO of Endeavor, strolled around the fair with a notable affable air, greeting guests and checking out paintings and sculptures. Endeavor has a majority stake in Frieze, which also has art fairs in London, Seoul, and New York.
Friendships Reign at the Frieze Art Fair
Some of the notable attendees include Robert Downey Jr. in a green tracksuit and multi-colored bucket hat, his wife Susan Downey, Leonardo DiCaprio in a hat paired with a face mask, John C. Reilly, Jessica Biel, Tobey Maguire, and many more. Scores of collectors from around the world have also flocked to attend the art fair as well as check out the many art galleries that have timed openings to coincide with what has become known as L.A. Art Week. For many high-powered collectors, this has become an apex social occasion where they can see a lot of the art world and connect with old friends.
Art Sales at Frieze Los Angeles
Sales were brisk throughout the day, with some notable sales including a large-scale Richard Serra drawing at the Gladstone Gallery for $2 million. At Thaddaeus Ropac, a charcoal-on-paper work by Robert Longo sold for $1.6 million, and a work by Anselm Kierfer sold for 1.3 million pounds. The enthusiasm for Frieze Los Angeles and the art world community coming together was palpable, with sales at galleries being steady and numerous works being acquired by collectors and prominent institutions.
New Partnerships and Artistic Collaborations
In a new partnership between Frieze Los Angeles and the California African American Museum, the museum acquired a ceramic work titled “Natural” for their collection. This work was created by the L.A.-based sculptor Mustafa Clayton Ali, who was represented in the Focus section by Dominique Gallery, located in West Adams.
Conclusion
Frieze Los Angeles proved to be a must-attend event for celebrities, art collectors, and art enthusiasts around the world. The fair showcased outstanding works from renowned artists and provided an opportunity for the art world community to come together and celebrate creativity. With the success of this year’s fair, Frieze Los Angeles continues to solidify its position as a prominent art event on the global stage.
