ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Frieze Magazine and Fair Founded During Recession, Says Director

publication · 2026-04-23

In an interview with Élisabeth Lebovici, Frieze director Matthew Slotover reflects on the founding of the magazine and fair during a recession, calling it 'the worst moment, that is to say the best.' The enthusiasm initially communicated by British artists led to the creation of Frieze, which evolved from a contemporary art magazine into an international art fair that quickly became a fixture in the art world calendar. Slotover pragmatically analyzes the global art world without complexes or fanfare.

Key facts

  • Frieze was founded during a recession.
  • Matthew Slotover is the director of Frieze (fair and magazine).
  • The interview was conducted by Élisabeth Lebovici.
  • British artists' enthusiasm inspired Frieze's founding.
  • Frieze started as a contemporary art magazine.
  • Frieze later became an international art fair.
  • The fair was immediately inscribed in the art event calendar.
  • Slotover analyzes the global art world pragmatically.

Entities

Institutions

  • Frieze

Sources