FRIEZE ART FAIR 2015 LONDON
“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” — Samuel Johnson, 1777
Looming large over the whole exhibit at the 13th edition of Frieze London in Regent’s Park, Mark Leckey’s giant Felix the Cat buoyantly smiles like a big ol’ Cheshire cat. Crowds of Instagrammers and #selfie zealots flock to this very photogenic feline, which could explain Leckey’s remarkable success over the Internet. Presented by Galerie Buchholz, Leckey’s Felix the Cat set the tone for this year’s Frieze Art Fair.
Always bubbling with excitement and brimming with champagne, London’s art scene is profoundly entertaining. But in October, when 164 of the world’s key commercial, contemporary art galleries from 27 different countries come together and set up shop at the Frieze Art Fair in Regent’s Park, something magical happens.
This year’s exhibit opens up with an installation piece by artist Lutz Bacher, created from relics rescued from the set of an old, horror B-movie. As I passed through the heavy, plastic curtains, the kind that Sweeney Todd may have used in his famous pie shop, I felt as though I had stumbled into the wrong place.
With an open mind, I ventured forth to see where this artful experience would take me.
SHOP THE LOOK
What an extraordinary sight! I couldn’t take my eyes off these Siamese Hair Twins by Tunga. My first encounter with this Brazilian artist was in Rio at the H.Stern gold exhibition. But this encounter today has to be my favourite of the whole exhibit.
I love contemporary art; it triggers my creativity and inspires me, especially when it looks like a colourful bead necklace. When you’re in a room full of arty people, you know you’re going to eye some serious street style!
I can see myself in this beguiling loo…can you! Do you think if I stand here, people will think I’m part of this Ann Agee installation? Inspiration by blue-and-white Delftware – I’m a teapot!
Sapphire art! How divine! Entitled Kamatsiri by Jason Martin, this mixed media on aluminium is very sculptural in nature and creates the illusion of movement. Love how the light plays off the broad strokes and undulations.
Another jewellery encounter. This time the intricate blue mosaic of the cuff caught my eye.
How fun are these dandelion lamps! I think the faces on the wall are about to make a wish!
Everywhere I turn, another inspiring example of personal jewellery style.
Now this is why I love contemporary art! I could gaze at this untitled piece by Jiri Dokoupil for hours and just drift away.
What a beautiful statement piece! You know how much I love chokers and chains, but this takes the biscuit!
Great juxtaposition in this artwork– puzzlingly apocalyptic.
Penny for your thoughts…or is that a sovereign?
If you look very closely at this piece, Money Never Sleeps by Kyungah Ham, you can see the fine silk stitching style of North Korean hand embroidery. It took 2 people 1200 hours to craft this masterpiece, and it is part of the Needling Whisper, Needle Country Camouflage Series.
Seeing all this jewellery style here today takes me back to my early blogging days, when I would snap shots of people’s eclectic style and share it with you on my blog.
What a surprise to find a Petersham Nurseries here at Frieze.
They’ve even managed to capture the same delicious vibe as their restaurant in London. A true hidden gem and a welcome sight for hungry art-goers!
The best part of these events is the after party and the chance to sip champagne and mingle.
If I told you that this artwork behind me by Xu Qu had something to do with money, would you believe me? This is an example of Qu’s deconstructed currency art from the series Currency Wars. By isolating patterns, symbols and watermarks found on paper money, Qu redefines the intrinsic value of money.
That’s enough art talk for one day! Hope you enjoyed the show! Before I leave, let me share with you one last jewellery sighting and remind you to check out GEM TALKS – my exclusive interviews with some of the most creative and inspiring women in the world today, and a sneak peek at their private jewellery collections.
Thanks for stopping by! Leave me a message in the comments below.
I am extremely happy to announce that my new jewelry book – GEMOLOGUE: Street Jewellery Styles & Styling Tips – is now on Amazon. I’m so excited. It’s the first book of its kind solely dedicated to jewellery.
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GEMOLOGUE jewelry blog by Liza Urla is a celebration of fine, fashion and vintage jewellery featuring talented jewellery designers, trendy urban street style, exclusive interviews and rare jewellery reviews. This jewellery blog’s goal is to encourage and educate about jewellery online in a fresh and original fashion to inspire women and men across the globe in a fashion and travelling context.
Jewellery blogger, writer Liza Urla, the founder of GEMOLOGUE, is a London-based and NYC-educated gemologist, who has travelled to and lived in many countries. She is now one of the most influential digital jewellery tastemakers. Her jewellery influence has been acknowledged by Financial Times, The New York Times, Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
*Photographed by Julia Flit. Styling and Art Direction by Liza Urla. All photos belong to GEM Kreatives for GEMOLOGUE.
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