New York’s art scene has come together with a vibrant Frieze week itinerary. Frieze week has anchored a medley of fairs, gallery shows, and auctions this week. In its 13th edition (7–11 May), the fair has returned to The Shed in Hudson Yards, bringing together 65 galleries from over 25 countries, despite a 12% drop in global art sales in 2024. The fair, which was sold last week to Hollywood mega mogul Ari Emanuel, was as busy as ever.
While economic turbulence lingers, fueled by political uncertainty and fluctuating tariffs, dealers report strong early transactions. Gagosian set the tone with the sale of Jeff Koons’ “Hulk (Tubas)” (2004–18) for an estimated 3 million.
The Focus section, curated by Lumi Tan, highlights 12 galleries—seven first-time participants. Standouts include:
Voloshyn Gallery (Kyiv/Miami): A solo presentation by Ukrainian artist Nikita Kadan reflecting war and displacement.
Public Gallery (London): Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley’s interactive video works exploring Black trans narratives.
Yeo Workshop (Singapore): Balinese artist Citra Sasmita’s textile installations reclaim Indonesian folklore through a feminist lens.
This isn’t just about new names, it’s about artists with global recognition finally getting a New York platform.
Frieze’s partnership with High Line Art yielded Pilvi Takala’s enigmatic performance piece “The Pin”, probing boundaries between public and private interaction. Meanwhile, Sam Falls’ collaboration with Ruinart Champagne—a site-specific installation using organic pigments—merged art with sustainability discourse.
Satellite Fairs and Auction Fever
Beyond Frieze, The Parallel Events:
NADA New York: 120 galleries, with nearly half debuting.
Independent New York: Launching “Independent Debuts” for overlooked artists.
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair: Spotlighting 26 galleries at the Financial District’s Halo.
As Frieze wraps, auction houses take centre stage.
Christie’s leads with the Riggio Collection and Warhol/Basquiat trophies, while Sotheby’s unveils gems from Barbara Gladstone’s estate.
Though the market feels softer than in previous years, the appetite for exceptional work endures. As advisor Jessica Arb Danial observed: “The material is anything but weak—collectors are just more deliberate.”
For now, New York’s art ecosystem thrives on reinvention, proving once again that even in uncertain times, creativity commands attention.
Frieze New York runs through 11 May at The Shed.
Watch for our sales roundup on Sunday.
Top Photo: Nico Kos Earle © Artlyst 2025
