Some say Frieze has become corporate, big, fancy and out of touch with the new scene throughout the years... whether you agree or not is highly subjective. Whoever said that
Zoo may have stole some lights from Frieze in terms of excitement or alternative flavours, Frieze has undoubtedly retained its leading position - thanks to the sculpture park.
I have to say that, without the sculpture park, Frieze would just be another generic fair around the world. One could feel really packed and dizzy within the pavilion with all the buzz going on - that is not saying it is bad. It is where you see the people (actually very much this aspect) and the works together.
In the park, the works re-gain the attention of everyone. The ample space between each installation gives room for one to appreciate each piece in his/her own way, without being disturbed/side-tracked. it is important for one to develop his/her own artistic judgement, this is paramount to foster the cultural advancement of a nation.
The sculpture park provides the opportunity for this to happen. It is the royal botanical heritage of the Park that creates the tension and juxtaposition between the tradition & new, individual & collective, as well as human vs nature.
Perhaps I have exaggerated a bit above, but I honestly think the sculpture park supports Frieze to stay on the art map in the world. I'm sure the organiser understands this very well, and I would like to remind them that it is vital they keep on cultivating this delicious part of the fair every year, and keep this british heritage which you couldn't possibly find in another place.
Here are some nice shots of what you have missed if you didn't visit the park last weekend -
Artificial Rock No. 16 (2007) by Zhan Wang
Breast Berries (2009) by Maria Roosen
Pumpkin (2009) by Erwin Wurm
Someone and Someone (2009) by Eva Rothschild
Edawrd VIII (2009) by Graham Hudson
Bonsaipotato (2001/09) by Remy Markowitsch
Grain Circle (2009) by Andrea Nacciarriti
Two Trees I & II (2009) by Vanessa Billy
A Child's Grove (2009) by Neha Coksi
The Couple by Louise Bourgeois - video
link
Henry Moore Bound to Fail [Bronze] (2009) by Paul McCathy
2 more clips of some works inside the pavilion -
Further reading -
Frieze art fair 2008 photo set (including show and sculptural park)
here
Frieze Projects 2009 -
interviews by The Art Newspaper
