Latin American galleries surge at Frieze New York 2026

Fourteen Latin American galleries from Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil are participating in Frieze New York 2026, a significant increase from last year when many withdrew due to US tariff and visa uncertainties under Trump. The surge is driven by non-profit support, Frieze's outreach, and regional gallery growth. Latitude, a partnership between ApexBrasil and ABACT, supported all eight Brazilian galleries, with extra aid for emerging ones amid rising shipping costs. Brazil faces a 50% US tariff, straining relations. Despite obstacles, established Brazilian galleries like Fortes, D'Aloia & Gabriel and Almeida & Dale are expanding. Mexican gallery Campeche, founded in 2021, debuts in the Focus section. Seba Calfuqueo, a Chilean Mapuche artist, won the Frieze Focus Stand Prize ($5,000) for works addressing colonial violence; the Baltimore Museum of Art acquired one piece. Mexican artist Dr Lakra was denied a US visa for his Kurimanzutto show, echoing Cold War-era denial of Miguel Covarrubias. Frieze Americas director Christine Messineo included Latin American gallerists on the selection committee to better represent the continent.