Frieze LA: A Resounding Success as Art Enthusiasts Flock and Sales Soar
The Opening Day Frenzy: High Expectations and Early Triumphs
The latest iteration of the Frieze Los Angeles art fair commenced with remarkable enthusiasm, as evidenced by a surge in initial sales. A considerable number of New York-based art connoisseurs, having journeyed from snowy climes, mingled alongside prominent California collectors and cultural luminaries, creating a bustling and dynamic atmosphere throughout the exhibition aisles.
Major Galleries Drive Record-Breaking Sales
Leading art establishments wasted no time in securing significant transactions. David Zwirner gallery, for instance, successfully placed Njideka Akunyili Crosby's 2016 masterpiece, Grandmother's Parlour, for an impressive $2.8 million to a European foundation. Other notable sales from the gallery included a 2020 painting by Lynette Yiadom-Boakye for $1.5 million, and two works by Lisa Yuskavage, fetching $280,000 and $180,000 respectively.
Thaddaeus Ropac's Global Reach and Consistent Performance
Thaddaeus Ropac, a gallery with a global presence, reported strong sales figures by mid-afternoon. Their transactions included Alex Katz's Purple Split 3 (2022) for $700,000, David Salle's The Green Vest (2025) for $280,000, Liza Lou's Hypotaxis (2025) for $225,000, and Joan Snyder's multi-medium piece Howl/Heart (2011) for $140,000, among other significant acquisitions. The gallery noted a strong turnout of both U.S. collectors and institutional representatives.
Karma Gallery's Swift Start and Diverse Offerings
Karma Gallery, operating from New York and West Hollywood, experienced immediate success, selling Jonas Wood's Poppies 5, Poppies 6, Poppies 7 (2024) for $650,000 within the fair's initial hours. Other notable sales included Nicolas Party's Sunset (2025) for $150,000, Ann Craven's Moon (July, Quiet) (2025) for $140,000, and Jane Dickson's Wonder Wheel (2014) for $100,000.
Olney Gleason's Productive VIP Preview
Eric Gleason, co-founder of New York's Olney Gleason, expressed satisfaction with the early results, reporting several sales before noon on the VIP day. By the end of the afternoon, the gallery had successfully sold four of the five Kour Pour paintings presented, with prices reaching up to $65,000, alongside a sculpture by Bosco Sodi for $72,000.
Anat Ebgi's Comprehensive Success Across Its Roster
Stefano DiPaola, partner and senior director at Anat Ebgi (with locations in Los Angeles and New York), confirmed a highly successful day, stating that works by nearly every artist in their booth had found buyers, with some selling multiple pieces. A significant highlight was the $11,000 acquisition of Jessica Taylor Bellamy's work by the California African American Museum, facilitated by a joint acquisition fund. Other artworks, such as a 1977 painting by Faith Wilding, were priced as high as $100,000.
Almine Rech Gallery Observes Increased Foot Traffic and Robust Sales
Ermanno Rivetti, director at Almine Rech Gallery, noted a significant increase in attendance compared to the previous year, which followed the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The gallery reported sales of works by artists including Joe Andoe, Aaron Curry, Eva Juszkiewicz, and Alexandre Lenoir, with prices spanning from $50,000 to over $850,000 for a piece by Juszkiewicz.
Lisson Gallery's Perspective on Los Angeles's Artistic Ascendancy
Alex Logsdail, CEO of Lisson Gallery, echoed the sentiment of high attendance and described the current moment as "LA's moment," attributing it to the reopening of LACMA, the expansion of The Broad, and the forthcoming opening of the Lucas Museum. The gallery successfully sold works by Kelly Akashi, Olga de Amaral, Hugh Hayden, Carmen Herrera, and Leiko Ikemura by late afternoon.
Diverse Artworks Reflect Los Angeles's Unique Identity
Los Angeles-based dealer Esther Kim Varet, founder of Various Small Fires, highlighted the unique works on display, including paintings by 86-year-old Jessie Homer French, with a floor-standing screen depicting forest fires priced at $90,000 and other paintings ranging from $35,000 to $68,000. Additionally, Fernberger gallery showcased large landscape paintings by Greta Waller, depicting Los Angeles cityscapes, priced at $85,000 each. These pieces reflect a deep affection for the city, intertwined with concerns about contemporary social issues.
International Dealers Remain Unfazed by Political Climate
When questioned about the potential impact of recent tariff decisions and political changes in the U.S., international dealers largely remained optimistic. Daniel Roesler of Brazil's Nara Roesler noted that such news has not significantly affected the art world, viewing art as "information" that is not subject to tariffs. However, some dealers acknowledged that concerns about immigration policies and visa challenges could deter international visitors from entering the U.S.