BY Sarah McCrory in Frieze | 29 SEP 17

Looking Forward: Sarah McCrory

The Goldsmiths’ CCA Director anticipates humour, stillness and a bit of the uncanny in Frieze London's Focus

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BY Sarah McCrory in Frieze | 29 SEP 17

There are many solo presentations I’m excited to see 
at Frieze London, but three artists in Focus really stand out. Edward Kay works entirely on his own terms – he’s funny, sharp, acerbic and brings all that to bear on a bounty of art historical sources, many I’m not privy to. Kay’s had something of a hiatus recently, but I’m pleased to see Rob Tufnell [Frieze London, Focus, stand H34] is showing a solo presentation of new work.

Edward Kay, Untitled, 2017. Painting. Courtesy: the artist and Rob Tufnell

Also in Focus is Kris Lemsalu, who’s being paired with Dickon Drury at Koppe Astner [Frieze London, Focus, stand H15]. Though she works with different media and sometimes crosses into performance, Lemsalu’s practice is fundamentally very sculptural, with her incredible ceramics taking centre stage. Lemaslu’s work oscillates between the comical and the uncanny: she has an ability to produce presences in a room that make you in equal parts amused, wary and uneasy. I look forward to seeing every new thing she makes.

Kris Lemsalu, Old Friends, 2017. Ceramics, inflatable clown, metal, hair, straw. Courtesy: the artist, Koppe Astner, Glasgow; Tanya Leighton, Berlin and Temnikova Kasela, Tallinn

Finally, I’m looking forward to seeing how Tessa Lynch’s poetic and quiet work registers in the fair’s sometimes rowdy atmosphere. Reflecting on the city and how women navigate it, her practice is thoughtful and often beautiful. I imagine her solo at Frutta [Frieze London, Focus, stand 25] will allow for a moment of stillness and composure in Frieze week’s bustle.

Tessa Lynch, Building Per Hour: Bin Shelter, 2017. Installation, dimensions variable. Courtesy: the artist and Frutta, Rome

Tickets for Frieze London and Frieze Masters are available here

Sarah McCrory is Director of Goldsmiths’ Centre for Contemporary Art, London, UK.

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