My Highlights from Frieze London 2014

Sarah Elson
Oct 8, 2014 12:53AM

I have chosen these works for their imaginative use of material and sophisticated approach to art-making. In each case, there’s a respect for both the process and the formal appearance of the work. 

My Selection:

Maria BartuszovaRaindrop (2282), 1963, at Galerie Rüdiger Schöttle

Bartuszova had a wonderful way of playing sensuously with natural forms. She created an antagonistic tension between different materials and I find the work relevant for sculptural practice today.

Sarah Crowner, Legs, 2014, at Casey Kaplan

I like Crowner’s ironic playful treatment of design elements and her conceptual use of materials and graphics that are normally associated with style. She makes something completely fresh.

Eric Bainbridge, Untitled, 2014, at Workplace Gallery

Bainbridge is a master of interesting and edgy formal sculpture, of a generation that has had a huge impact on sculptural practice today.

Amikam Toren, Mirroring Series 3, No. 4, 1984, at Anthony Reynolds Gallery

I like Toren’s combination of conceptual and poetic content. These works on glass are especially beautiful.

Rosa Barba, Color Clock: Verticals Lean Occasionally Consistently Away from Viewpoints, 2012, at Gió Marconi

In the dying days of analog film, I think Barba’s work is especially compelling. I love the way she brings out the physicality and texture of film.

Ricky Swallow, Chair Form with Band, 2014, at David Kordansky Gallery

Swallow’s recent bronze works are superb. They are curious and strong.

Ana Prada, Love Slave. (green), 2014, at Galería Helga de Alvear

Prada’s intricate treatment of fragile ephemeral material is almost antithetical to the minimal appearance of the work. I like this contrast and tension in her work.

Virginia Overton, Untitled (green ends), 2012, at Freymond-Guth Fine Arts Ltd.

I especially like Overton’s site-specific works and her use of distressed, varied materials.

Anne Collier, Man With A Camera (Telephoto), 2011, at Corvi-Mora

Her work seems especially relevant for its take on the culture around photography and its currency in social media.

Explore Frieze London 2014 on Artsy.

Sarah Elson