What started out as a London art magazine has now become one of the leading international contemporary art fairs. Now in its second edition in New York, Frieze Art Fair graced Randall’s Island for its massive presentation of over 185 galleries in the largest free standing structure in the U.S. built in two weeks and that provided art candy that is definitely sweeter the second time around. Frieze gives a fresh platform for art lovers and collectors to view what is the current wave of contemporary art from artists still living and producing work. AF rode the East Side Ferry from 35th Street Pier to head out to an idyllic island of art. Greeted by an 80-foot Balloon Dog by Paul McCarthy right at the front of the white monolith of a tent structure, our master of the lens, Max Noy, came at the ready to shoot the good stuff at the fair. This year the trends turned out to be George Condo having a moment, photography plus extra, and LED lights glaring bright. Marian Goodman Gallery had queues of people lining up to see a performance art of when an anime girl questions and interacts with viewers about the real feelings of an art object in the age of technology and commodity. There is a secret bar where someone might tap you in the shoulder to give you the coordinates. The Focus and Frame sections where newer galleries are given a voice and a chance to show via subsidized rent at the fair. The pelting rain and thunderstorm did not dampen the spirits of the art loving denizens of New York City. It only washed away the dust of ennui and quenched the thirst for more cutting edge or thought provoking art. This is one sweet deal of an art fair worth getting cavities for or get absolutely soaking wet. It’s raining ART – Hallelujah!
Randall’s Island Park
Fair Dates: May 10 – 13, 2013
text by: Oscar A. Laluyan
event photography by: Max Noy
