Frieze Los Angeles to Proceed Amid Wildfire Recovery Efforts, Supporting Local Art Community
Jason Yim / Published January 20, 2025 02:11 AM
Jason Yim
Courtesy of Frieze LA 2024
Frieze Los Angeles, one of the most prestigious art fairs in the United States, will proceed as scheduled from February 20 to 23 at Santa Monica Airport. Despite the ongoing devastation caused by wildfires in California, the organizers expressed their commitment to supporting the local community and fostering resilience through art.
In a statement released on January 17, the Frieze organizing committee acknowledged the challenges faced by Los Angeles due to the fires. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to those affected by the destructive fires. This adversity only strengthens our resolve to rebuild and recover together as a community,” the statement read.
The wildfires, which began sweeping through the Los Angeles area on January 7, have caused unprecedented destruction. Over 7,500 structures were destroyed, including homes and studios that housed significant artworks by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Damien Hirst, John Baldessari, and Kenny Scharf. The collective value of the lost works is estimated to reach tens of millions of dollars.
Frieze also distributed statements from Los Angeles-based artists, gallery owners, and curators, highlighting the impact of the fires on the creative community. Among them was a message from artist Kelly Akashi, who lost her home and studio in the Eaton wildfire. Akashi emphasized the broader economic repercussions of the disaster, saying, “I hope the wildfire’s economic toll does not further harm other artists.”
To address the crisis, Frieze is collaborating with the Getty Foundation to support the newly established LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund. The $12 million initiative aims to provide financial assistance to artists and cultural institutions affected by the wildfires. Prominent organizations such as the Mohn Art Collective (comprising the Hammer Museum, LACMA, and MOCA), East West Bank, Mellon Foundation, Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Qatar Museums, and Ford Foundation have also contributed to the fund.
Adding to the art scene's resilience, the 30th annual LA Art Show will also take place from February 19 to 23 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. While the final scale of participating galleries remains uncertain due to the fires, the event organizers noted strong feedback from galleries and artists emphasizing the importance of community in challenging times.
This year’s Frieze Los Angeles carries additional significance as it is the first to be held since Frieze’s parent company, Endeavor, announced the potential sale of its art fair brand last November. Despite the challenges, the 2025 edition boasts participation from 101 galleries, including major names such as Gagosian, Gladstone Gallery, Marian Goodman Gallery, Hauser & Wirth, Pace, White Cube, and David Zwirner.
By continuing as planned, Frieze Los Angeles seeks to underline the resilience of the art world and its role in fostering recovery and hope amid adversity. The fair is expected to draw art enthusiasts and collectors from around the globe, reinforcing Los Angeles as a vital hub for contemporary art.
Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com
Courtesy of Frieze LA 2024
Frieze Los Angeles, one of the most prestigious art fairs in the United States, will proceed as scheduled from February 20 to 23 at Santa Monica Airport. Despite the ongoing devastation caused by wildfires in California, the organizers expressed their commitment to supporting the local community and fostering resilience through art.
In a statement released on January 17, the Frieze organizing committee acknowledged the challenges faced by Los Angeles due to the fires. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to those affected by the destructive fires. This adversity only strengthens our resolve to rebuild and recover together as a community,” the statement read.
The wildfires, which began sweeping through the Los Angeles area on January 7, have caused unprecedented destruction. Over 7,500 structures were destroyed, including homes and studios that housed significant artworks by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Damien Hirst, John Baldessari, and Kenny Scharf. The collective value of the lost works is estimated to reach tens of millions of dollars.
Frieze also distributed statements from Los Angeles-based artists, gallery owners, and curators, highlighting the impact of the fires on the creative community. Among them was a message from artist Kelly Akashi, who lost her home and studio in the Eaton wildfire. Akashi emphasized the broader economic repercussions of the disaster, saying, “I hope the wildfire’s economic toll does not further harm other artists.”
To address the crisis, Frieze is collaborating with the Getty Foundation to support the newly established LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund. The $12 million initiative aims to provide financial assistance to artists and cultural institutions affected by the wildfires. Prominent organizations such as the Mohn Art Collective (comprising the Hammer Museum, LACMA, and MOCA), East West Bank, Mellon Foundation, Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Qatar Museums, and Ford Foundation have also contributed to the fund.
Adding to the art scene's resilience, the 30th annual LA Art Show will also take place from February 19 to 23 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. While the final scale of participating galleries remains uncertain due to the fires, the event organizers noted strong feedback from galleries and artists emphasizing the importance of community in challenging times.
This year’s Frieze Los Angeles carries additional significance as it is the first to be held since Frieze’s parent company, Endeavor, announced the potential sale of its art fair brand last November. Despite the challenges, the 2025 edition boasts participation from 101 galleries, including major names such as Gagosian, Gladstone Gallery, Marian Goodman Gallery, Hauser & Wirth, Pace, White Cube, and David Zwirner.
By continuing as planned, Frieze Los Angeles seeks to underline the resilience of the art world and its role in fostering recovery and hope amid adversity. The fair is expected to draw art enthusiasts and collectors from around the globe, reinforcing Los Angeles as a vital hub for contemporary art.
