Standout Showcases: Six Must-See Galleries at Frieze Los Angeles 2025

Gagosian: A Turkish Oasis Reimagined

In a poignant tribute to Los Angeles, Gagosian chose to showcase "Nomadic Folly" by the late Chris Burden, marking the installation's U.S. debut. Originally created for the 2001 Istanbul Biennial, this immersive piece transforms the gallery space into a contemplative sanctuary. Burden, who passed away in 2015, crafted the installation using authentic Turkish materials - from plush pillows and handwoven carpets to jewel-toned glass and metal lamps, all arranged on a Turkish cypress platform beneath four large umbrellas.

As Phillipine Rubat du Merac from Gagosian notes, the installation invites visitors to "take a rest, enjoy, and take off your shoes," evoking an atmosphere that promises more than meets the eye, leaving viewers wondering about the absent hookahs, belly dancers, and couscous.

Vielmetter LA: Journey to Atlantica

April Bey's spectacular presentation at Vielmetter Los Angeles transported visitors to "Atlantica," an alternative universe where glitter serves as currency and travel occurs through portals of flora and fauna. The installation, complete with furry green walls, showcases Bey's multifaceted approach to art-making. A self-proclaimed "Blerd" (Black nerd) and bibliophile, Bey's work interweaves post-colonialism, Speculative Futurism, internet culture, and feminism.

The standout piece, "Colonial Swag," depicts an African-American girl embracing an oversized teddy bear, exemplifying Bey's masterful use of unconventional materials including faux fur, glitter, vinyl, and luxurious textiles like brocade and velvet.

Proyectos Monclova: Mythological Nightmares

Mexico City's Proyectos Monclova presented a haunting collection by Víctor Hugo Pérez, featuring unsettling portraits of his wife and pets. The artist's distinctive style manifests in works like "Mujer con gata" (2018), where subjects appear with disconcerting features - eyes positioned on the same side of their faces and wide, toothy jaws.

The hand-carved frames, adorned with gold leaf and featuring intricate animal motifs, are integral to each piece, with golden snakes slithering around black frames. The booth also showcased ceramics crafted in Tonala, Jalisco, including the notable "La intocable rata" (2023), priced at $6,000. Despite concerns about the recent fires, the gallery reported robust sales during the VIP day.

Almine Rech Gallery: Cultural Fusion

Tomokazu "Matsu" Matsuyama's first solo booth at Frieze LA showcased his signature style of blending Eastern and Western aesthetics. His work "Come Away With Me" (2024) particularly stood out, subverting the U.S. motto "In God We Trust" while incorporating references to Georgia O'Keeffe, Henri Rousseau, and Japanese artist Hayami Gyoshū. Matsuyama's innovative approach extends to his canvas shapes, featuring unusual forms including circular cutouts and curvy edges.

The artist's growing recognition was evidenced by the Hiroshima museum's acquisition of one of his pieces during the fair, adding to his impressive roster of institutional collectors including LACMA and the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco.

Southern Guild: African Perspectives

As the sole African gallery at Frieze LA, Southern Guild made a powerful statement with Zanele Muholi's work. The South African artist's large-scale wallpaper print from the 'Somnyama Ngonyama' (Hail the Dark Lioness) series challenged the historical invisibility of Black women and non-binary bodies in Western art. Muholi's smaller self-portraits, particularly those featuring white dreadlocks, proved equally compelling in their monochromatic execution.