What Is the Difference Between Frieze London and Frieze Masters?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re an art enthusiast, attending art fairs is an excellent way to see some of the world’s most exciting contemporary and classic artworks. Two of the most popular art fairs that take place annually in London are Frieze London and Frieze Masters.

While these events share similar names and occur simultaneously, they are distinct from each other. Let’s explore the difference between these two art fairs.

Overview of Frieze London and Frieze Masters

Frieze London is a contemporary art fair that focuses on cutting-edge artwork created by emerging artists from all over the world. The event takes place in Regent’s Park and features over 160 galleries exhibiting paintings, sculptures, installations, videos, and performances.

On the other hand, Frieze Masters is a fair that showcases historical artworks spanning from ancient times through to the late 20th century. This event also takes place in Regent’s Park and features over 130 galleries exhibiting classic artwork such as antiquities, Old Master paintings, ancient Egyptian artifacts, and Asian art.

The Differences Between Frieze London and Frieze Masters

While both events take place at the same time in Regent’s Park in London, there are some notable differences between them:

Type of Art Exhibited

Frieze London primarily exhibits contemporary art created by emerging artists while Frieze Masters showcases classical artworks from ancient times through to the late 20th century.

Galleries Exhibiting

Frieze London has around 160 galleries exhibiting contemporary artworks while Frieze Masters has around 130 galleries exhibiting classic artwork.

Artists Represented

The artists represented at Frieze London are primarily emerging artists with a few established ones thrown into the mix while those represented at Frieze Masters are predominantly historical figures.

Price Range of Artworks

The price range of artworks displayed at Frieze London is significantly lower than those at Frieze Masters. This is because the art at Frieze London is created by emerging artists, while the art at Frieze Masters is often rare and highly valuable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Frieze London and Frieze Masters are exciting art fairs that offer a unique experience. While Frieze London focuses on contemporary artwork created by emerging artists, Frieze Masters showcases classical artworks from ancient times through to the late 20th century. So whether you’re a fan of contemporary or classical art, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at these events.