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FRIDAY 15th September – SUNDAY 17th September 2021

This week’s Weekend Combo is a bumper Frieze special. As the acclaimed annual art fair lands in London with a heavy dose of artistic goodness, we’ve curated a snappy schedule for you that shifts from newbies to oldies, off-schedule to on-schedule and everything in-between.

We never want to leave
Dover Street Market is getting in on the Frieze action this year with a schedule of events and installations fit for the occasion. Deep breath… DSM are launching a special Leica camera and a Bamford Snoopy watch (for precision Frieze timekeeping), alongside the launch of the highly coveted Comme des Garçons X Gucci Paperbag and KAWS x Comme des Garçons Parfums collaboration.

While in the basement at IDEA Books, Jamie Hawkesworth releases his latest book for designer Supriya Lele, and there will be two special launches: Liberty Ross’ Flippers Roller Boogie Palace, celebrating the iconic LA venue Flipper’s roller rink, where the likes of Black Flag and Prince performed to whizzing-by skaters; and Peter J Walsh’s stunning Hacienda-based photo book, Rave One, which invites you into the legendary Manchester nightclub and will leave you proper sweaty. PS, while you’re perusing the IDEA shelves, look out for the latest issues of HERO and HEROINE, go on.

Not done yet, renowned photographer Juergen Teller will be in-store on Sunday 17th (16:00 – 17:30) signing copies of his book, Donkey Man And Other Stories.

Full information on DSM Frieze here.

I’m over here, by The Severed Head of Medusa
Iconic London Member’s Club Annabel’s has teamed up with Damien Hirst for an exclusive exhibition of unseen works by the renowned British artist.

Amongst Annabel’s exotic interiors, iconic Hirst sculptures feel right at home. There’s The Severed Head of Medusa from the artist’s 2017 Treasures collection just casually sitting beside a fireplace, while in the reception guests are greeted by one of Hirst’s classic formaldehyde artworks, Peace (2009). Elsewhere, Hirst’s marble-crafted interpretations of Disney’s Minnie and Goofy become club guests alongside opulent work, Cat (Egyptian) – not for petting!

The Damien Hirst display will run at Annabel’s until 24th October.

Sculptures in the park
Frieze Sculpture has made its return to the English Gardens in Regents Park, curated by Clare Lilley for the ninth year in a row after being postponed by the pandemic. This edition sees a wide array of artists including Sarah Lucas, Richard Long, and Daniel Arsham to name a few, with the subject matters ranging from environmental concerns to post-apocalyptic fictional archaeology. Taking shape in the same format as previous years, the sculpture trail makes for a welcome addition to a Sunday stroll through one of London’s Royal Parks as autumn gets settled into the capital.

We advise checking out a towering piece by London artist Annie Morris that balances colourful spheres on top of each other, cast in vibrant pigments. It’s all about hope, defiance and holding onto something that’s fallen (see image below).

Frieze Sculpture runs in Regent’s Park until October 18th.

Take a breather
The Connaught opens its newest bar in a decade to align with Frieze week, The Red Room gains its name from the curated red artworks adorning the walls from four female visionaries.

With an interior designed by Brian O’Sullivan in a soft-hued colour palette that allows the art to take centre-stage, works from Louise Bourgeois, Jenny Holzer, Ti-a Thuy Nguye and Trina McKillen provide an incredible backdrop while you sip on your bellini. Tucked behind a lush velvet curtained doorway just off the hotel’s infamous Champagne Room, this rouge oasis not only houses an array of one-of-a-kind artworks but an extensive menu of equally as rare vintage wines.

The Red Room at The Connaught Hotel is located at Carlos Place, Mayfair, W1K 2AL

Let’s get talking
A very notable section of Frieze is always the fair’s Talks. Some highlights this year include a chat with London designer Kiko Kostadinov and his womenswear designer duo Laura & Deanna Fanning, artist Eric Mack in discussion with stylist Haley Wollens, and US filmmaker Garrett Bradley in conversation with artist Arthur Jafa, all at No.9 Cork Street. While this year’s Frieze Masters Talk is MAJOR, pairing two Belgian talents: artist Michaël Borremans and designer Dries Van Noten. Get out there, get inspired.

Find more information on Frieze Talks here. 

Would you rather digital or physical? 
Damien Hirst (back again) loves to be at the forefront of art tech, and the latest craze (in case you haven’t noticed) is NFTs. Partnering with LG, the London artist will be showing works from his acclaimed Kaleidoscope and Spin series showcased alongside digital versions presented on LG OLED TVs.

While earlier this year, Hirst put together a series of 10,000 NFTs corresponding to physical works created in 2016 using enamel paint on handmade paper. Auctioned earlier this year, during Frieze winning bidders will be given the opportunity to decide whether to keep the digital NFT or the physical artwork – pick carefully as the one left behind will be destroyed. Rosemary’s Baby but art.

Get stuck in
MATCHESFASHION continues its partnership with Frieze London with a series of exciting events happening at 5 Carlos Place – the luxury shopping destination’s IRL hub.

On Friday 15th, join expert floral artist Wagner for drinks and a masterclass in floral sculpture – plus take home your hard work in a Tina Vaia vase – while on Sunday 17th gallerist/curator Phoebe Saatchi Yates and artist Benjamin Spiers are hosting a lunch and conversation with the topic of discussion being: how to begin an art collection. Plus, check out the theatrical FW21 Valentino installation on the first floor and latest collections alongside artworks by Sophie Barber.

Find full information here. 

Where do you see yourself – and the world!!! – in five years time?
Curated by Cédric Fauq, a new ‘Unworlding’ section showcases international artists whose practices revolve around the idea of undoing the world as we know it. Across a spectrum that bounces between apocalypse and regeneration, works include an insight into urban systems and mass production by Kristin Walsh and Esteban Jefferson’s expressive paintings exploring race, identity and the legacies of colonialism.

Discover the full Unworlding line-up here.