In the catastrophic forest fires in Los Angeles, much was lost and burned, but what remained was hope—a hope to revive everything again. This hope comes in a variety of modes concerning the art and architecture world, like trust funds, the urgency of fireproof architecture, and upcoming art events for museums and institutions. One such event that lived through the raging fires unlike the other artists’ work, highlighted in our previous article about LA fires, is Frieze Lost Angeles 2025, which after “careful consideration” plans to move ahead with its original dates, February 20–23.
In the challenging period of these devastating fires, the art event of Frieze will bring some relief to sustain the cultural and economic vitality of the city. Being a leading international art fair that was launched in 2019, the event largely focuses on contemporary art and celebrates the dynamic culture of Los Angeles with its global contribution to the visual arts.
The event is the sixth edition of this fair and will take place at the Santa Monica Airport. Featuring galleries from all around the world, the program will have ambitious installations with non-profit organizations and even beloved restaurants. Furthermore, the focus of this event will be on the solo presentations by galleries that were formed in or after 2013 in the US.
According to Katherine Fleming, President & CEO, of J. Paul Getty Trust,
“During the challenges and trauma we’re all experiencing, Frieze LA can be an occasion for LA artists and the arts community to come together and reinforce networks of caring, and will also support the workers outside of the arts sector that make the event a success. Getty looks forward to its continuing partnership with Frieze, in whatever form this year’s event takes shape.”
The sole motive of the event is to re-establish and aid recovery efforts, further providing economic support to the artists, galleries, and art workers affected by the crisis.
Johanna Burton, Director, of The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) expressed a few words on this event,
“What’s so important right now is continuing to show up for our community of artists, art workers, and everybody who plays a part in or cares about culture. Frieze’s presence in LA marks an annual occasion to shine light on the incredible talents of creatives in this city, and for financial support to make its way to them. In addition to keeping the ecosystem sustained and resourced, the fair frames the great collaborative and deeply entwined aspects of our community, braiding together artists, patrons, galleries, museums, schools, and more towards and for a heartbeat of Los Angeles. We are excited and heartened to see Frieze’s team come forward to offer the fair this year when it’s needed most and appreciated by all.”
Although the dangerous and heart-wrecking LA fires did disrupt the lives of many artists and more importantly, art, I still believe the priority must be safe rescue and food settlement, which even the government isn’t taking care of. Leader Schumer remarked on the government,
“But one day into his presidency, it’s clear Donald Trump’s golden age is not for the working and middle class. His golden age, rather, is for the special interests, the wealthy elite, and the corporate insiders he promised to take on as president. Just look at his first day in the White House, which shows exactly what I am saying.”
The Frieze event similarly highlights a troubling reality: while the LA fires have caused significant loss, the elite are buying art and paintings in a misguided attempt to portray themselves as champions of humanity. This behavior is nothing short of performative, masking their indifference to the true suffering around them. It is as if 1% Americans are running the country. Opinions aside, this event is necessary in terms of measuring the art market after Art SG 2025 has set such high expectations from the collectors.
Featured Image: The Box, Frieze Los Angeles 2024; Photo by Casey Kelbaugh; courtesy Casey Kelbaugh and Frieze.
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