Art Fair Season: What to Watch at Frieze Los Angeles 2025

As the art world descends on Southern California this week, Frieze Los Angeles returns to Santa Monica Airport for its sixth edition, promising a dynamic mix of international galleries, site-specific installations, and cutting-edge contemporary art. Running from February 20-23, the fair continues to cement Los Angeles's position as a global art capital while highlighting the city's vibrant local scene.

This year's edition brings together more than 100 galleries from over 20 countries, with Deutsche Bank returning as global lead partner. The fair has become a major fixture on the international art calendar, attracting not only serious collectors but also the Hollywood elite – though we'll have to wait and see which A-listers make appearances during the VIP hours this year.

Among the most anticipated additions to the 2025 lineup are several prestigious international galleries making their Frieze LA debuts. South Africa's Southern Guild, which recently established a presence in Los Angeles, will be joining the fair alongside London's Timothy Taylor and Rome's Galleria Lorcan O'Neill. The latter two are bringing impressive solo presentations featuring works by acclaimed artists Kiki Smith and Rachel Whiteread, respectively.

Southern Cross, 2014 from Stellar Axis: Antarctica, Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica, 2006

Lita Albuquerque: Visions of Blue

Leading the charge is Santa Monica's own Lita Albuquerque, a pioneer of the 1970s land art and light & space movements. Her new commission promises to showcase her signature ultramarine blue pigment, a color that has defined her artistic practice for five decades. The installation represents a homecoming of sorts, with the local artist's work being displayed in her own community.

Frieze Los Angeles 2019

Frieze in Focus: U.S. Galleries Making a Splash!

The Focus section, overseen by Hammer Museum's Made in LA co-curator, showcases U.S. galleries that have been operating for 12 years or less. Supported by Stone Island, this section features emerging spaces like Bel Ami, Dominique Gallery, Make Room, Sow & Tailor, and Superposition Gallery, highlighting the next generation of gallery leadership and artistic voices.

Christine Messineo, the fair's director, emphasizes the strong Los Angeles focus of this year's programming, particularly noting the increased international attention the fair is receiving. With greater representation expected from Asia and Latin America, Frieze Los Angeles 2025 promises to be a truly global event while maintaining strong ties to its host city.

As Frieze continues to expand its presence in the United States, having acquired both The Armory Show in New York and Expo Chicago, this year's Los Angeles edition demonstrates the organization's commitment to fostering dialogue between local and international art scenes. From its humble beginnings as an art magazine in 1991 to its current status as a major force in the global art market, Frieze has shown remarkable growth while maintaining its commitment to accessibility and innovation.

For art enthusiasts, collectors, and curious visitors alike, Frieze Los Angeles 2025 offers a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary art in all its forms, from traditional gallery presentations to interactive installations and performance pieces. As the fair opens its doors this week, it promises to deliver not just an art market event, but a cultural moment that reflects the dynamic, diverse, and ever-evolving nature of the contemporary art world.