Contemporary art seeks buyer in London Frieze fair

By Guillermo Ximenis
 

London- World's most prestigious contemporary art museums and some private collectors with greater purchasing power scrutinize today catalogs from 162 galleries gathered at the Frieze fair in London in search of opportunities and new talent.

Sheltered by a large raised tent for the occasion in downtown Regent's Park in the British capital, galleries from 25 countries present until Saturday works of their best artists in the twelfth edition of one of the most established displays in the art international market.

Activity in the crowded corridors of the fair is vibrant from the first day, when the gallery owners begin to sign agreements, either to sell the works shown in London or to close new orders and organize future exhibitions.

Making a few square meters of Frieze is the result of several years of work to a gallery owner and can be a turning point in the career of the artists who are represented in London, told to Efethe  responsible for the Madrid gallery Elba Benitez.

"There is great competition between all galleries who ask to be here, but once you are, you get a great visibility. The international careers of many artists have been decided at fairs," says Benitez, who exhibits for the first time in Frieze London and presents works by the Portuguese Carlos Bunga and Spaniards Ignasi Aballí and Cristina Iglesias.

Benitez testifies that global economic difficulties have not slowed the expansion of the art market in recent years, which has sometimes served as a refuge in times of crisis.

"Just take a look at auctions and fairs, there is continually sales records. In general, the art is a very active market that works," says the gallery owner.

The also Spanish Helga de Alvear, veteran in Frieze, underlines the opportunity fairs offer to the galleries to influence in the creation of collections, whether private or public.

"Buying a Caravaggio or Murillo is easy, because they are authors who already have a history. But when it comes to artists who are working right now, who do not have a settled careerv, it is neccessary to ensañar collectors to make their collections have a consistency "said Alvear.

The gallery owner prefers to bet on a single artist in London exhibit and this year has worked with Ana Prada, who exhibits some of her latest creations at the fair.

"Lately, art fairs are like supermarkets. You see a bag or shoes and buy them. If you do not know an artist you can not know if it's good or not. We have to try to make people think again about what they purchase. Exposing a single artist you can see better what it his work about, “explains Alvear.

From Colombia, Casas Riegner Gallery presents for the fourth year in Frieze, an exhibition that allows to contact with the " first class most serious buyers and collectors," says international director of the gallery, Paula Bossa.

Daniela Zarate agrees with her, from Kurimanzutto Mexican gallery, which has been in London in the last eight editions.

"Getting here takes many years. You have to work hard in the career of the artists, begin participating in small fairs and then enter in the more established. Once here, everything changes, from the level of customers to the pieces prizes, "reflects Zarate.
 

Source: EFE