Former Stephen Friedman Artists Make Post-Closure Debuts at Frieze London

At Frieze London, the first edition since Stephen Friedman Gallery's sudden closure, artists formerly on its roster are showing with new dealers. Denzil Forrester, now with Thaddaeus Ropac, has two nightclub-scene paintings at the fair's entrance; both sold for £175,000 each within the first hour to collectors new to his work. Victoria Miro is presenting Clare Woods, whose two still-lifes sold quickly; her first solo with the gallery opens next February. Josh Lilley announced representation of Holly Hendry, showing four sculptures. Sarah Ball, now with Pilar Corrias, exhibits new paintings in that gallery's viewing room. Stephen Friedman Gallery closed abruptly in February, entering administration; it had represented 39 artists and estates and owed £7.8m to creditors, including over £800,000 to artists. Some former artists, like Caroline Walker, continue with existing galleries Grimm and Ingleby, while others such as Andreas Eriksson and Claire Barclay appear to lack UK representation. Several declined to comment, wary of market narratives overshadowing their work.