Alake Shilling's Buggy Ball brings soccer to Frieze Los Angeles 2023
During Frieze Los Angeles 2023, Alake Shilling (b. 1993, Los Angeles) hosted a soccer initiative called Buggy Ball at Santa Monica Airport, partnering with the Art Production Fund and LAFC. This daily event provides complimentary two-hour soccer sessions led by LAFC athletes, utilizing balls crafted by Shilling. Drawing inspiration from Lisa Frank, Shilling’s art delves into childhood feelings through characters that reflect her vision of a nurturing environment. She remarks, "I discovered that a plush creature can soothe and comfort." Featuring a pink bear motif, the event promotes inclusivity and brings people together through soccer. Shilling advocates for art to achieve the same level of popularity as sports. Everyone, including those without tickets, is welcome to participate.
Key facts
- Frieze Los Angeles 2023 preview day at Santa Monica Airport
- Artist Alake Shilling organized Buggy Ball with Art Production Fund and LAFC
- Free two-hour soccer lessons daily during the fair using Shilling's designed balls
- Shilling is a painter and sculptor based in Los Angeles, born 1993
- She is obsessed with Lisa Frank, founder of Lisa Frank Incorporated
- Her work explores childhood emotions and plush creatures as comfort objects
- Buggy Ball features a pink bear with a funny hat holding a flower
- Shilling wishes art were as popular as sports in pop culture
Entities
Artists
- Alake Shilling
Institutions
- Art Production Fund
- Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC)
- Frieze Los Angeles
- Lisa Frank Incorporated
Locations
- Los Angeles
- Santa Monica Airport
- United States