Sophia Al-Maria Wins 2025 Frieze London Artist Award with Stand-Up Comedy Performance
Sophia Al-Maria has been awarded the 2025 Frieze London Artist Award for her performance titled Wall Based Work (a Trompe LOL), which will make its debut at the Frieze London fair taking place from October 15 to 19, 2025, in Regent's Park. This piece merges elements of séance and humor within a temporary comedy venue situated in the main tent. Chosen by a jury that includes Lydia Yee and Chris Rawcliffe, the theme for 2025, Future Commons, emphasizes community. Im Youngzoo, who received the Frieze Seoul Artist Award, will investigate calming behaviors. Al-Maria's performance highlights themes of creative vulnerability and collective anxieties. Previous awardees include Lawrence Lek and Abbas Zahedi. Frieze London will showcase over 280 galleries, further solidifying the city’s reputation as an art hub.
Key facts
- Sophia Al-Maria received the 2025 Frieze London Artist Award
- She will perform a comedy stand-up set titled Wall Based Work (a Trompe LOL)
- The performance debuts at Frieze London from October 15-19, 2025 in Regent's Park
- The work blends séance and comedy genres in a temporary comedy club
- A jury including Lydia Yee, Melanie Pocock, Eva Langret and Chris Rawcliffe selected the commission
- The award theme is Future Commons, exploring community and shared experiences
- Previous award recipients include Lawrence Lek, Adham Faramawy, and Himali Singh Soin
- Frieze London 2025 will feature over 280 galleries from 45 countries
Entities
Artists
- Sophia Al-Maria
- Im Youngzoo
- Lawrence Lek
- Adham Faramawy
- Abbas Zahedi
- Sung Tieu
- Alberta Whittle
- Himali Singh Soin
Institutions
- Frieze London
- Frieze Seoul
- Frieze Masters
- Forma
- Deutsche Bank
- Gwangju Biennale
- New Museum
- Whitney Museum
- Venice Biennale
- Tate Britain
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Regent's Park
- New York
- Seoul
- South Korea
- Gwangju
- Venice
- Italy