Articles

Some really great paintings at Frieze 2023.

Written by Bronwyn Hunter-Shortly | October 11, 2023

Our top picks at the fair. 

Frieze 2023 launched today in London's iconic Regent Park. International galleries come together to showcase some of the best art currently on the market. Now in its 21st year, Frieze has solidified its reputation as one of the oldest and most respected fairs in the art fair circuit. As lovers of art, we've curated a selection of eight standout pieces from emerging to mid-career artists at the fair. From Danielle Mckinney to Anders Dickson, keep reading for our picks of the top work at Frieze 2023:

In London? Watch out for Peggy ads along the tube or as you queue to get into the fair! 

Photo Courtesy of Linda Nylind/Frieze.

A curation of Peggy's Picks at Frieze London 2023.

Ken Lum at P.P.O.W 

Kyle Dunn's art converges the studio, home, and city into a dramatic stage. Drawing from Art Nouveau to Hollywood, his detailed acrylic paintings on panels depict modern masculinity amidst today's technological and environmental challenges. In "Violets, 2023", Dunn touches on the concept of "shrinking violet," presenting a man distanced from pleasures and daily routines. Two contrasting still-lifes denote pleasure and industry, set against contrasting indoor warmth and outdoor turbulence, hinting at emotional conflict.

Born in 1990, Dunn is based in Brooklyn and studied at the Maryland Institute College of Art. His pieces are globally exhibited and collected, with accolades from leading publications. He has an upcoming solo exhibition in 2024 at Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford, CT.Umar Rashid at Almine Rech

Chicago artist Umar Rashid, also known as Frohawk Two Feathers, interrogates European imperialism with a focus on overlooked narratives. Drawing on diverse inspirations—from Mughal paintings to African sculpture—he offers alternative historical accounts infused with humour and protest. Anchoring his art in the shadows of history, Rashid shines a light on erased lives. With a BA in Cinema and Photography, his work graces institutions like the Brooklyn Museum and Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Danielle McKinney at Marianne Boesky Gallery

At Frieze London, Danielle McKinney presents portraits enriched by deep art historical dialogue. Her figures, set against dark backdrops, echo Zurbarán's saints, while vibrant brushstrokes nod to Matisse. McKinney's treatment of light recalls Vermeer, and she channels Hopper's voyeuristic interiors, infusing her vision. Her works captivate with emotion and a staunch dedication to beauty.

Koichi Enomoto at Taro Nasu

Koichi Enomoto crafts paintings as a "space of drifting images," blending global icons with personal characters and motifs. While his art often suggests specific stories, it stems from deeply personal experiences. The stories they tell become more potent by translating these personal narratives into more universal concepts. Enomoto's sensitivity to societal shifts drives him to encapsulate the world's evolving dynamics through his imagery.

Tara Walters at Kristina Kite Gallery

Tara Walters' recent creations celebrate both mystical and natural elements, drawing inspiration from iconic painters like William Blake and Paul Thek. Her technique is distinctive: she layers water and paint on her large-scale canvases using Pacific Ocean water and pure pigments. These canvases, dried faced down, collaborate with chance to form pools and stains that dictate the compositions. These floating images incorporate remnants from the studio, with salt crystals from the ocean water adding subtle shimmers. Her artwork, referencing historic wallpaper designs and artists like Walter Crane, transports viewers into a dreamlike realm. 

Anders Dickson at Wschód

Anders Dickson's artworks delve into memory, understanding, and strangeness. His paintings depict solitary figures amidst shifting atmospheres, highlighting the balance between technological dependency and craftsmanship. These pieces, seen as energy vessels, encourage profound contemplation in viewers. Dickson’s intuitive approach layers paint mediums and construction paper, influenced by fringe topics and philosophy, as echoed by thinkers like JF Martel. Born in Wisconsin in 1988, Dickson has exhibited globally and co-founded the Root Canal initiative in the Netherlands. His accolades include the Buning Brongers Prize and the Mondriaan Funds Grant for Emerging Talent.

See something you like? Have a question about art collecting? Reach out to the Peggy Concierge.