Frieze New York 2019: Mixed Results but Notable Stands

Frieze New York returned for its seventh edition, with a new section at Rockefeller Center (Frieze Sculpture) and curated sections focusing on Latinx, African American, and non-profit artists from Manhattan. The fair received mixed reviews: while some stands showed strong curatorial vision, many were criticized for commercialism and poor taste. Notable presentations included a solo show of Fred Eversley's parabolic resin sculptures from the 1960s-80s at a prominent corner stand; Alex Katz's large-scale works on paper priced between $50,000 and $90,000; Andrew Cranston's narrative paintings on old book covers; a posthumous spotlight on Japanese artist Katsumi Nakai, who lived in Milan and was influenced by Spatialism; Matthew Ronay's sculptures exploring form and color; Izumi Kato's ancestral-style sculptures and paintings; Steve Keene's performance selling fast-made plywood paintings for under $50; a dual solo show of John Chamberlain and Steven Parrino at a major gallery; Thomas Houseago's new small-to-medium works at Xavier Hufkens; and a minimalist stand by Alfonso Artiaco featuring Ann Veronica Janssens and Juan Uslé. The ferry to Randall's Island was made paid, potentially impacting attendance.