Spanish gallerist Juana de Aizpuru boycotts Frieze London over Brexit

Spanish gallerist Juana de Aizpuru (Valladolid, 1933) has announced she will not participate in Frieze London 2019, citing Brexit as the reason. In an email to contacts, collectors, and journalists, she stated she renounced her stand over a month ago because she does not want to be in London during October near unpleasant events, nor endorse a situation she considers irresponsible and lacking solidarity. De Aizpuru, a pioneer in Spain's contemporary art scene and founder and first director of ARCO in 1982, opened her first gallery in Seville in 1970 during Franco's dictatorship, when women faced difficulties opening bank accounts without their husband's approval. She later inaugurated Galería Juana de Aizpuru in Madrid in 1983. Instead of London, she will participate in the Düsseldorf fair, where she had not previously exhibited due to a busy autumn schedule. De Aizpuru hopes Germany remembers her and that she can reconnect with contacts in the Rhineland. Known for her fiery red hair and elegant yet eccentric style, she has been instrumental in introducing contemporary art languages to Spain and promoting Spanish artists internationally. She was also active during Spain's transition to democracy and the Movida Madrileña. De Aizpuru concludes her letter hoping the Brexit issue resolves quickly and in the best possible way.