‘Refreshing and Mighty’: Cecilia Alemani’s Top Choices for Frieze New York 2021
The Director & Chief Curator of High Line Art and Artistic Director of the 59th Venice Biennale shares her top five picks from Frieze Viewing Room
The Director & Chief Curator of High Line Art and Artistic Director of the 59th Venice Biennale shares her top five picks from Frieze Viewing Room
Karon Davis, Jasmin 3
Presented by Wilding Cran Gallery
Karon Davis is distinguishing herself as one of the most promising sculptors working today. She combines a meticulous technique that conveys handmade, delicate qualities while depicting strong images of activist leaders, powerful women, and imaginary creatures.
Solange Pessoa, Untitled (Mimesma series)
Presented by Mendes Wood DM
Brazilian artist Solange Pessoa realizes gorgeous drawings that evoke a world of magical symbols and fantastical creatures often realized with materials like mineral pigments. A must see in person, their painterly quality is stunning!
Roberto Gil de Montes, Lalo
Presented by kurimanzutto
I’m very intrigued by these paintings by Mexican artist Roberto Gil De Montes. I like the way he combines portraiture, mainly of the queer community, with scenes of quotidian life. There is plenty of magic realism in his canvases, but in spite of the surreal atmosphere, the subject matters he touches upon, such as identity, gender and sensuality, are exceptionally timely.
Blair Saxon-Hill, Kiki de Montparnasse
Presented by Nino Mier Gallery
The first time I saw these works I was reminded of Italian artist Enrico Baj, who like Blair, loved to combine scraps of fabrics, trimmings and found objects to compose seemingly grotesque portraits. In this presentation at Frieze, Saxon-Hill brings a cohort of formidable portraits, alternating large canvases with modest collages. Take a close look to appreciate all the details of the surface!
Joan Semmel, High Five
Presented by Alexander Gray Associates
Joan Semmel’s self-portraits are so refreshing and mighty. And while we are used to seeing her large paintings on display in major museums like MoMA, I love this small canvas, which conveys the quotidian act of looking at oneself in the mirror while evoking a long art historical tradition of artists portraying themselves as a reflection and doubling.
Opening Times
Wednesday Preview, May 5, 11am EST – Invitation only
Thursday Preview, May 6, 11am EST – Invitation & Frieze members only
Friday, May 7, 11am EST - Friday, May 14, midnight EST – Free access to all
Frieze New York 2021 opens at The Shed, May 5-9.
Main Image: Lalo by Roberto Gil de Montes courtesy the artist and kurimanzutto
