A Tale of Two Art Fairs: Frieze vs. Superfine
Art fairs have a special place in the heart of the art community, serving as bustling marketplaces where collectors and enthusiasts can discover emerging talent and engage with established names. However, not all art fairs are created equal, as I was reminded on a day that took me from the hallowed halls of Frieze to the vibrant aisles of Superfine.
Frieze, a titan in the art fair world, presents annually in global hubs such as New York, LA, and London. Known for its massive sales and prestigious galleries, Frieze has been a must-attend event for anyone serious about the art market. The fair, which I remember being hosted under a gigantic tent on Randall’s Island, was more than just an art show; it was an event. Despite its move to The Shed in Midtown Manhattan a couple of years ago, which made it more accessible, the fair seems to have lost a bit of its spark. The lighting of the space was subpar, and the absence of dynamic performances left the floors feeling static. Yet, amidst this, the focus on high-quality, breathtaking art remained undeniable. Perhaps stripping down some of the fanfare refocused attention on the art itself, which was as compelling as ever.
Contrast this with my evening visit to Superfine. This newer, edgier fair targets a different crowd by focusing on early-career artists and inclusivity. It rejects the traditional gallery system, instead allowing artists to connect directly with collectors. The New York edition of Superfine was like stepping into a different world—a full floor of a Times Square building transformed into a celebration of art and creativity. The vibe was electric, complete with performers mingling among the attendees, including a memorable dancing chicken that seemed to embody the fair's spirited ethos. My husband even got to work on a collaborative work of art.
The contrast couldn’t have been starker. After spending the afternoon at Frieze, navigating through its reserved and polished ambiance left me with a case of 'museum fatigue.' But Superfine—with its raw, unfiltered energy—reinvigorated my spirits. There's something incredibly refreshing about a fair that doesn’t take itself too seriously yet is serious about its mission to democratize art. It’s a place where the art might not always suit your taste, but the experience is guaranteed to leave a phenomenal impression.
In the end, the back-to-back visits underscored a vital truth about the art world: diversity in venues and styles is essential. While Frieze caters to the high-end collector looking to invest in established names, Superfine offers a platform for new voices to be heard and appreciated in their rawest forms. And yes, if anything could draw me back to any event, it would definitely be the promise of another dancing chicken. Because sometimes, what we need most is just a little more joy and spontaneity in our art encounters. From now on, Superfine is where I’ll be.
