2018 Focus Prize Awarded to blank

blank (Cape Town) is the winner of the 2018 Focus Stand Prize, which is awarded to an outstanding gallery presentation in the Focus section at Frieze London, dedicated to providing a platform for galleries 12 years or younger. This year’s jurors of international curators included Margot Norton (Curator, New Museum); Victor Wang (independent curator); and Christina Lehnert (Curator, Portikus Frankfurt).

Blank has mounted a group presentation of wall- and floor-based wire sculptures by Bronwyn Katz; works by Donna Kukama that recount the number of years and bodies lost to slavery; and figurative self-portraits in oil painting by Cinga Samson that address themes of youth, masculinity, and spirituality within the narrative of Post-Colonialism.

Jurors commented that that blank’s presentation “highlighted the strength of each individual artist” working in a variety of mediums, but also brought them together in a way that is both “dynamic” and “complimentary.” They were also impressed by the level of context offered by the gallery about the works on view.

Special commendations also went to Ginerva Gambino, (Cologne); Magician Space (Beijing), Union Pacific (London) for their outstanding presentations.

Focus featured galleries ages 12 years or younger and is advised in 2018 by Andrew Bonacina (Hepworth Wakefield) and Laura McLean-Ferris (Swiss Institute, New York). Frieze has always been committed to supporting galleries at all stages of their development, and Focus provides younger galleries the opportunity to participate in Frieze London at an average of 46% subsidized rate compared to the main section.

Frieze London opened to the public today, featuring a discerning selection of around 160 galleries presenting their most forward-thinking and imaginative presentations. The Frieze Stand Prize, which recognizes an outstanding presentation in Main or Social Work sections of the fair was awarded yesterday to Sprüth Magers.